A time for rest and sunbathing? “Not on your nelly!”
July 2024 is with us, the first real stride of summer. A time to relax and do as little as possible in Malta and Gozo, basking in the midst of the centre of the Mediterranean, a time for swimming, sun-bathing and doing as little as possible except a time to enjoy the summer conditions.
“Not on your nelly” – as a good London cockney will tell you. The summer months of Malta and Gozo are filled with fervent activity and unless you plan and carefully pace out, all this activity means staying awake 24/7 for the whole of the 31 days!
Malta and Gozo are a minute mixture of tiny islands and rocks in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Together they are estimated to be the 12th smallest islands in the whole world. On its own, Gozo MUST be one of the tiniest islands on the globe.
GOZO
The total size of Gozo is 67km squared (26 square miles), the size of a small town, with a population of almost 40,000; yet it has a history which eclipses that of most towns and villages throughout the world and has a highly important role in the history of Europe today.
So many activities are booked for July that if you have planned a stay in Gozo this year or at least will be spending some days there – be prepared to remain awake 24/7 to catch up with everything – but more about that later!
THE ISLE OF MTV
Tuesday, 2nd July started off the month with a major feature – The Isle of MTV, annually held on the Floriana Granaries and always attracting 50,000 persons for a bumper night of entertainment by local and famed foreign entertainers.
In the past, great international entertainers such as Enrique Iglesias, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dog, Nelly Furtado, Paloma Faith and many, many others performed and delighted many thousands of viewers.
This year’s local performers were Emma Muscat, Gaia Cauchi, Michela and Owen Leuellen – a most popular rapper.
MALTA JAZZ FESTIVAL
However, this year’s main activity has been captured by the Malta Jazz Festival to be held from 8th to 13th July. It will be held in two locations, open air performances at Ta’ Liesse on the Valletta Waterfront with a wonderful view of the Valletta Grand Harbour and indoor at the City Theatre also in Valletta.
Performers will include Chief Adjuha from the US, the Walter Smith III Quartet, Something Else, Trio Grande, Monica Salmaso and The Tom Ollendorff Trio. There will be Special Jam Sessions led by Leo Montana and his guests on the 9th and 11th July and the Philippe Soirat Quartet will give a special performance inside the City Theatre on 10th July.
The Festival is Government sponsored through Heritage Malta and VisitMalta and more information can be obtained on Festivals Malta/Malta Jazz Festival and pre-bookings are highly adviceable.
Wine, beer and alcohol have hardly ever been short throughout the Maltese islands. It was introduced by the Phoenicians hundreds of years BC, completed by Roman Rule, stood still by the brief sojourn of the Ottoman (Muslim) rule and then back with a burst during the time of the Knights.
The 150 year occuption by Britain, the final colonisers of the Maltese Islands, was marked by an explosion of beers and alcohol aligned to the occupation of military forces such as The Army and the Royal Navy and – of course – two World Wars.
BEER FESTIVAL
The British love of beers and “the pub atmosphere” prompted the Maltese Farrugia Family to establish their own brewery in Malta and this came into being as FARSONS and their continual production of lager becoming popular as CISK Lager, Blue Label – a strong beer, and Hop Leaf – a light ale.
With the residence of thousands of British troops and their families over 150 years, these beers naturally became “a Maltese touch of home” and of course wherever British troops went and on their home return, the fervour remained.
This wealth of tradition naturally spread to the Maltese and Gozitans and the tasty brewing quality has now been spread overseas, earning Maltese ale brewing a greatly positive note.
Sadly, the Covid eruption prevented the festival being held in 2022 and 2033 but now it is back with a bang – a big bang!
It’s all happening from 25th July to 3rd August, ten nights of triumphant return, open air, at the Malta National Park at Ta’ Qali with promises of a hugely iconic return.
With its beautifully-renovated surroundings and lively atmosphere, Ta’ Qali National Park provides the perfect setting for the return of this beloved summer tradition.
From live music performances to a diverse selection of beers, there’s something for everyone at the Farsons Beer Festival.
Best of all, admission is free, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and all activities can be monitored on Facebook.
BACK TO GOZO
The island of Gozo may be small but the 40,000 inhabitants are certainly not faint-hearted. Back to the “on your nelly” cockney theme, for the entire month of July in Gozo and overlapping into August there is a daily event to symbolise music, song, dance and imaginative entertainment which can be staged 24/7 over the entire month, basking in brilliant weather and dipping into the blue Mediterranean Sea which is just minutes away from wherever you are on the island.
The whole programme not only encapsules entertainment and adult jolly-making but also includes religious events and events for young children.
The Merchant Taylors’ School Choir kicks off the event on the first three days of the month followed by a daily event of cooking, eating, dance, all kinds of music, water games for kidz, an international arts festival and anything else you can think of – including karaoke nights!
If you do visit Gozo during July don’t complain to me of suffering lack of sleep – I told you so!
ALBERT FENECH
