Maltese Traditions Celebrated in Nadur, Gozo

Jun 24 2024

Record-Breaking Participation at the 30th Edition of Nadur’s Agricultural and Handcraft Exhibition

Last weekend, Pjazza Arċipriet Dun Martin Camilleri buzzed with excitement as the Nadur Local Council, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, celebrated the thirtieth edition of the Agricultural Exhibition and Crafts Fair as part of the annual Imnarja festivities. The event, held on Saturday and Sunday, marked a significant milestone with a record-breaking number of participants and attendees.

With great satisfaction, organizers noted the unprecedented involvement of approximately 250 participants. These dedicated individuals showcased a rich array of homegrown produce, including a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and other animals, all cultivated by the talented Nadurin. The exhibition also featured an impressive collection of farming and fishing tools, alongside a wide variety of handicrafts that highlighted the exceptional skills of local artisans.

Attendees were treated to an array of intricate handiwork in various mediums such as iron, wood, stone, papier-mâché, painting, and embroidery. The meticulous craftsmanship on display was a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Nadurin community.

The exhibition was more than just a visual feast. A large number of visitors, both locals and tourists, enjoyed traditional Maltese music, singing, and dancing. Authentic Maltese food and drinks added to the festive atmosphere, making the event a sensory delight. The competitions and displays of horses, livestock, dogs, and poultry also drew significant attention, showcasing the best of Nadur’s agricultural heritage.

Mayor Edward Said, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, helpers, and Councillors, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the event. Their hard work and coordination ensured that this year’s exhibition reached new heights of excellence, setting a high standard for future editions.

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Skies Lit Up During Valletta Pageant Of The Seas

Jun 24 2024

The skies above Malta’s capital city were lit up with dazzling fireworks during yesterday’s Valletta Pageant of the Seas 2024, held by the Valletta Cultural Agency.

A video was shared by mayor of Valletta Olaf McKay, who expressed his pride over the spectacle, extending his support to all future events in the capital city.

The event began yesterday at 9 PM at Quarry Wharf, Valletta, featuring a stunning water fountain show crafted by the renowned French company, Aquatique Show.

Known for their impressive work at the Qatar 2022 World Cup opening and their upcoming role in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Aquatique Show brought their expertise to Valletta with a spectacular display synchronized to the music of Cyprian Cassar.

Accompanying the water show was a dazzling fireworks display, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. It was important to note that the full grandeur of the show could only be experienced from Quarry Wharf, as views from other parts of Valletta or around the Harbour did not capture the complete magic of the event.

Excitement had built up during the preparations, and the event lived up to its promise, becoming a highlight of the summer. Those who attended witnessed the Valletta Pageant of the Seas in all its glory.

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Investment Into Community Centre For LGBT Persons & Families

Jun 24 2024

Restoration and renovation work will soon commence on a government building on Triq l-Ifran in Valletta to create a community center dedicated to providing psychosocial services for LGBTIQ+ individuals and their families.

This project was announced by Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Program, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, during a press conference. They highlighted that the initiative is supported by public investment to further the journey towards equality.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that the transfer of this building fulfills another electoral promise to the LGBTIQ+ community. He explained that the Lands Authority is conducting a crucial exercise to identify government properties that can serve community needs, working with other government entities to breathe new life into these buildings.

He stressed that the value of a building is not just financial but also depends on its use. He is confident that this transfer will greatly benefit the LGBTIQ+ community and society as a whole. He also mentioned that the Lands Authority will continue to collaborate responsibly with various NGOs and Local Councils to identify additional sites for better societal benefit.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg noted that this center will be a crucial addition to the efforts that bring the LGBTIQ+ community closer to equality and strengthen respect for human rights for queer individuals. She pointed out that although significant strides have been made over the past decade, with Malta ranking first in the European Equality Index for nine consecutive years, prejudices and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals still exist.

The center will provide a variety of services under one roof, including emotional and psychological support through counseling and therapy to help individuals address emotional and mental challenges. Health services, such as the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, will be offered by both the state and NGOs. The center will also tackle cases of discrimination by providing advisory and psychosocial support services to those affected.

An important function of the center is to promote equality through awareness and education campaigns aimed at changing persistent stereotypical attitudes. The center will also provide access to resources and learning opportunities, including a specialized library.

The goal of this project is to enhance social inclusion by offering a space where LGBTIQ+ individuals can meet, interact, and support each other, contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive society. Additionally, the center aims to support families through informational sessions for parents to better understand and accept their children’s identities.

Massive St Paul Infiorata Displayed Outside Rabat Basilica

Jun 24 2024

Last Saturday, a flower carpet known as Infjorata was created next to the Basilica of St. Paul in Rabat, Malta, marking the ninth year that the Infiorata Rabat Malta Group has made this artistic display for the Corpus Christi feast.

On Saturday evening, the flower carpet was inaugurated on the church parvis of St. Paul’s in Rabat and remained in place until Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday afternoon, it was completely dismantled piece by piece and reassembled in front of the church so that, in the evening, the sacrament could pass over it.

Families and residents gathered to view the colourful design, which shows the Christian saint credited with bringing the religion to the shores of Malta after his shipwreck.

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