By Albert Fenech
Internationally, October is not a special month of tremendous events. It heralds the incoming winter season – more associated with forthcoming skiing, snow and heated indoor activities.
Not so in Malta. Yes the heat of summer has subsided; it may rain on some days and therefore one must beware of outdoor events such as barbecues and planned picnics. But, ….
In Malta and Gozo it is a month full of activities and the major one is that of the now internationally-famous tussle for yachts during the Middle Sea Race which this year will run from 9th October to Sunday, 26th October.
This began many years ago the result of a friendly tussle between two English yachtsmen who devised an intriguing race from Malta, around Sicily and back to Malta. The event grew and grew and is today of great international fame in the yachting sector sponsored by Rolex and this is how they have described this year’s event:
“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the world’s most exciting and demanding offshore races and has been labeled on the international scene as “one the most attractive route races in the world” bringing together some of the best sailing crews in the world. It is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC).
“Since 2021 Rolex has sponsored the race, the first race was in 1968 when slowly it grew in popularity becoming world famous. The 606-nautical mile race circumstances the island of Sicily.
“The race starts and finishes from the spectacular Grand Harbour in Valletta seeing the yachts navigate the fortifications surrounding the harbour from all flanks is something to be witnessed.”
It is anticipated this year there will be 115 international entrants, many of them Malta based and a pulsating race to be followed closely.
OTHER OCTOBER EVENTS
Malta Classic 2025
The Malta Classic from 23rd to 26th October attracts car enthusiasts from Malta and foreigners who come purposely for this event. It is organized in the old capital city Mdina. Three main competitions are held in the hill climb classified by the speed, power of the car and age.
It is organised by Malta Classic at Mdina.
This display of elegance entails the finest historic collection of automobiles. The grand prix is set in the most picturesque country streets beneath the Mdina fortifications.
The Hamrun Chocolate Festival
In Saturday 18th October the streets of Hamrun will once again host the Chocolate Festival. Many stalls will be on display where chocolate will be the ingredient of innovation and display in food and art. You will be able to buy various products made from chocolate and taste recipes created for this festival
Other attractions are centred on painting on canvas, sculptures, tattoos least body painting. It is an opportunity for families to take their children to be entertained at this festival.
The organisers are the Hamrun Local Council.
Birgufest 2025
Vittoriosa, Birgu in Maltese, is one of the most historical cities in Malta and will be holding Birgufest to celebrate its rich history and the beautiful architecture within its fortifications. It is a celebration on two days, Friday 10th to Saturday 11th October 2025
This includes historic re-enactments, reduced entrance fees for museums, exhibitions, and entertainment and the most popular is the Birgu by Candlelight event where the old narrow winding roads including the house facades are illuminated with candles and create a magical romantic charming atmosphere.
If you intend to go you have to plan much before as the city is invaded by locals and tourists and parking might be difficult but it will be an unforgettable experience with several photos for your memories.
Malta Maritime Summit 2025
The Malta Maritime Summit was launched in 2018 as an international conference held every year bringing together the various stakeholders. The summit already had a great response with participants coming from 21 different countries.
It aims to draw the most important maritime collaborators and specialists from various countries around the world to share their views on the hottest topics in the industry and the way forward in this industry.
It is scheduled for the last week in October.
Over the years Malta was classified at the top of the European Maritime League and sixth in the world, Malta has become a major flag player but has also consolidated its position in other aspects of the maritime industry.
Organised by the Malta Maritime Summit it will be held from Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th October.
October in Malta should be a quiet month? Don’t you believe it!
There is no month in Malta which can be detailed as “a quiet month”!
