Grand Harbour Lights Up As Malta Fireworks Festival Kicks Off

Apr 23 2025

The Malta International Fireworks Festival has officially kicked off, with the first spectacle at the Grand Harbour, Valletta treating spectators to a show of music and light.

The festival, now in its 24th edition, kicked off on Tuesday 22nd April, and is set to take place on the 25th and the 30th in Valletta as well as on the 27th in Nadur, Gozo.

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Following the Government of Malta’s declaration of Saturday 26th April as a national day of mourning in honour of the funeral of the late Pope Francis, the third show of the festival was moved from the 26th to 27th of April.

Each festival is set to feature a breathtaking display of colour and precision, culminating in a spectacular grand finale on the 30th.

‘Adding to the excitement, the festival also hosts a prestigious Pyrotechnical Musical competition, where fireworks are expertly choreographed to synchronise with musical compositions. The most outstanding displays will be recognised and awarded, making this an unmissable event for both locals and visitors alike.’

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Valletta Mass For Pope Francis At St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Apr 23 2025

A Mass in memory of Pope Francis was held on Tuesday evening at the historic St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, drawing a notable gathering of faithful, clergy, and local political figures.

The service, held in honour for the late Pontiff, began at 6:30 p.m. and lasted around an hour and a half, and highlighted Francis’ compassionate and progressive contributions to Christendom during his papacy.

Pope Francis died on April 21st at age 88. The Pope’s mourning period typically lasts nine days, a tradition known as “novemdiales” in the Catholic Church. The search for the new pontiff will also kick off, likely drawing millions of eyes as people wonder whom the Vatican will elect next.

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Mum Calls Out Anti-LGBTIQ+ Comments With Son

Apr 23 2025

A local mother and son, known by their TikTok handle ‘ham_n_cheeese, took to social media to call out the hate comments against LGBTIQ+ people following a viral street interview.

The interview by TVM News asked people about their opinion of Pope Francis, with the first person to feature in the interview saying that he disagreed with the late pope for his acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people as it was ‘un-biblical’.

@ham_n_cheeese

❤️ #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #viral #lgbt🌈

♬ original sound – ham_n_cheeese

The mother-son duo sat down at a table to recount the son’s coming out experience and his struggles with his journey towards accepting his sexuality.

His mother called out others, including other mothers, who wrote hateful comments against members of the LGBTIQ+ community, saying that these comments could easily contribute to youth struggling with their sexual identity committing self-harm.

His mother hugged her son closely as they recounted his coming out experience, and urged more compassion and acceptance towards people of diverse sexual and gender orientations.

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Fireworks Displayed With Kurt Calleja’s ‘Bla Tarf’

Apr 23 2025

As the 24th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival kicked off in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, the spectacle saw Kurt Calleja’s Mużika Mużika winning song from 2022 ‘Bla Tarf.’

Attendees were treated to a spectacle of light and music as the iconic Mużika Mużika track embellished the experience and contributed to an unforgettable atmosphere.

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The night proceeded with a message of condolences to the passing of Pope Francis, with the Malta Tourism Authority explaining that the postponing would pose logistical and safety challenges.

The festival is set to continue on the 25th and 30th of April in the Grand Harbour, Valletta, as well as on the 26th of April in Nadur, Gozo.

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