Malta’s International Fireworks Festival Returns With Over 85 Teams

Mar 8 2025

The Malta International Fireworks Festival will take place from the 22nd to the 30th of April at the Grand Harbour and in Gozo. It will feature over 85 local and international fireworks teams.

Tourism Minister Ian Borg and MTA CEO Carlo Micallef revealed the details during a press conference.

The festival is organised by the MTA and celebrates Malta’s pyrotechnic heritage, blending tradition with innovation. Local band clubs will also participate for the first time this year.

The festival will kick off on April 22nd and 25th at the Grand Harbour, move to Nadur in Gozo on April 26th, and conclude with a grand finale on April 30th at the Grand Harbour.

The final night will feature 2024 winners Għaqda tan-Nar Kerċem, plus a special show combining pyrotechnics and technology.

Minister Ian Borg emphasised the festival’s role in enhancing Malta’s tourism and national identity, while MTA’s CEO highlighted its growth and contribution to Malta’s tourism.

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Malta Experiences 17 Hours Of Rainfall

Mar 8 2025

Malta was hit with nearly 17 hours of continuous rain throughout Thursday and Friday.

The rainfall reached an average of 40mm, equivalent to the total amount the island typically receives over the entire month of March.

As reported by the Facebook page ‘It-Temp Madwarna’, a rise in temperature and warmer weather are expected in the coming days. By next week, daytime highs will likely surpass 20°C.

This weekend is however expected to start with foggy conditions during the early morning hours of today and tomorrow.

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Hibernians’ Derek Brown Suspended For Alleging Corruption

Mar 8 2025

Hibernians basketball player Derek Brown has been handed a 1 year suspension by the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) after accusing match officials of corruption following his team’s loss to Starlites in the Knockout Final.

The controversy was sparked by an incident which was caught on video, where Starlites coach Paul Ferrante tripped Brown. Ferrante was subsequently banned from all basketball activities until March 31st.

Brown took to social media, claiming his words had been “taken out of context” and made worse than they were. He commented on how Ferrante’s suspension would allow him to return just in time for the championship, while his team’s chances were impacted. “I was the victim in this situation,” Brown wrote.

Brown later apologised for his comments, stating they were made in the heat of the moment, but the MBA deemed his accusations of corruption serious enough to issue the 1 year suspension, along with a €100 fine and a ban for 3 matches.

Both Brown and Ferrante have the option to appeal their suspensions in accordance with MBA regulations.

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Childminding Scheme for Local Councillors Launched on Women’s Day

Mar 8 2025

On International Women’s Day, a new initiative was launched to provide financial assistance for childminding services during statutory meetings of Local Councils.

This initiative aims to help council members better balance family responsibilities and official commitments, while encouraging equal participation in local governance.

The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, during a discussion with female council members to mark the occasion.

The event was also addressed by the Prime Minister’s wife, Dr. Lydia Abela, and Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici.

The initiative, led by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government in collaboration with the Local Government Division, will offer funding to Local and Regional Councils, as well as the Association of Local Councils, to provide childminding services during meetings.

This is intended to foster more innovative and inclusive local governance, strengthening opportunities for those who wish to contribute to their communities without the burden of personal and family needs.

Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted that this measure was introduced in response to the challenges faced by parents and guardians in balancing professional and family life. She pointed out that various measures have already been implemented to support parents and guardians in both the public and private sectors.

Minister Owen Bonnici emphasized that the government’s goal is to increase women’s participation in the workforce, public life, and leadership roles. He noted that the number of female local councilors has increased by 5% compared to the previous legislature, but further work is still needed.

Dr. Lydia Abela added that this initiative is an important step toward encouraging more people, especially women, to contribute to their local communities.

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