Owen Bonnici Announces Carnival Of Malta 2024

Jan 22 2024

The Carnival of Malta, a celebration entrenched in our islands for centuries, will once again be celebrated as a vibrant festival of colors and traditions, featuring a program filled with family-friendly activities. This year, the official dates for Carnival are from the 9th to the 13th of February 2024.

During a press conference, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici emphasized the significance of Carnival in our country’s cultural calendar, not only from a historical and heritage perspective but as a lively and contemporary celebration. Minister Bonnici also noted that Carnival in Malta serves as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors during this time.

Carnival 2024 is expected to be particularly significant as around 23 companies are set to participate. Minister Bonnici paid tribute to the memory of Pawlu Curmi ‘il-Pampalun,’ a key figure in Carnival’s history, and announced that this would be the first Carnival since his passing.

In addition to the traditional Carnival parades with diverse themes across Valletta and Floriana, various events will take place. A notable highlight is the Qarċilla, a traditional street theater that will be performed free of charge on Ordinance Street (in front of the Royal Theater).

Aaron Zahra, Chairperson of Festivals Malta, emphasized the significance of Carnival and expressed the organization’s commitment to continuing this traditional annual event. He highlighted the expansion of Carnival to Ħamrun and, for the first time, to Żurrieq, aiming to showcase Maltese talent on an international platform.

Frans Agius, CEO of Festivals Malta, spoke about the memorialization of Pawlu Curmi ‘il-Pampalun,’ stating that Festivals Malta, in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv and Heritage Malta, will present an exhibition titled ‘Pawlu Curmi ‘Il-Pampalun’: Il-Bniedem u l-Leġġenda’ at Spazju Kreattiv’s Atriju. Additionally, there will be a documentary broadcast on TVM in collaboration with Popolin.

Jason Busuttil, Artistic Director of Carnival Malta, mentioned the record number of participants and highlighted the importance of inclusion. He stated that the organizing committee is keen on incorporating individuals with special needs, emphasizing a commitment to a diverse and vibrant Carnival celebration.

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We Told AI To Show Us What Malta Would Look Like If It Kept Getting Hotter

Jan 22 2024

At Malta Daily, we’ve always been fascinated by the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence, but sometimes, it’s the flights into the sci-fi realm that capture our imagination. Recently, we embarked on a unique exploration with AI, asking it to visualise Malta under progressively hotter conditions, pushing the boundaries to hyperbolic extremes.

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Our journey began with AI-generated images of Malta during a typical hot summer, progressing to scenarios where the heat intensified beyond reality. The AI illustrated traditional Maltese architecture under scorching suns, with clear blue skies turning into deep, fiery reds. The climax was a series of dystopian images where buildings appeared as if melting under a relentless, burning sun, showcasing an environment where life as we know it could not exist.

This experiment highlights not only the creative potential of AI but also its ability to evoke thought-provoking scenarios. While we embrace AI for its practicality, delving into the sci-fi world it offers reminds us of the limitless possibilities of modern technology.

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MEP Cyrus Engerer Calls For Hate Speech To Become Official Crime

Jan 22 2024

Addressing the European Parliament, Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer said that it is time for hate speech and hate crime to be criminalised at the European Union level.

He said that the European Parliament and Commission, as well as the citizens and civil society are ready to act, but not the council.

He began by naming a few words thrown at certain minority groups – whether it is the LGBTIQ+ community or migrants – has a tendency to end in violence.

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‘It all starts with words as far-right narratives normalise hate speech, they end with violence against minorities’, wrote MEP Engerer.

Hate speech, he said, has been increasing across Europe, especially anonymously online. These crimes cannot be continued to be blocked from becoming official EU crimes.

What do you think?

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Steve Zammit Lupi Named European Young Leader

Jan 22 2024

Brussels-based European think tank Friends Of Europe has just released its ‘European Young Leaders Class of 2024 and, among the youthful activists and influential figures in the list, is Steve Zammit Lupi.

He is described as championing initiatives ‘that seek to protect the environment and promote sustainable transport and mobility.’

‘ Zammit Lupi is well-known for cycling 4,400km across Europe from Malta to Stockholm in 41 days in summer 2023. Raising awareness about embracing greener lifestyles and reducing carbon footprints, his journey showcased the potential for cycling as an alternative mode of transportation on his home island.’

For over a decade, the EYL40 programme has brought together the brightest minds and outside-the-box leaders to bring about change and build a more forward-thinking Europe.

Maltese aren’t strangers to this list. The list has previously included the likes of Matthew Caruana Galizia, Aaron Farrugia as well as EP President Roberta Metsola.

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