December, 2007

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11
Dec 07

Birgu Christmas Lights

Carols By Candlelight – Saturday December 22
From the present day capital Valletta one can go by bus or by boat to the other side of the Grand Harbour to the old headquarters of the Knights, Birgu (named Vittoriosa after the Great Siege). One of the oldest villages of Malta, Birgu is the perfect symbol of the rich history of the islands. This year the Birgu Local Council in association with the Malta Tourism Authority will be organizing an ‘Carols By Candlelight’, evening of Christmas entertainment at Birgu on Saturday, December 22. It is envisaged that this event will be organized on a large scale similar in line to past editions of Birgu By Candlelight, and it is expected to attract a large number of people from all over Malta and Gozo.

It is planned that on this evening the town will have its street lighting switched off so that these will be lit up instead by a variety of Christmas decorative lighting emanating from residences. This lighting will be provided in various ways, namely: Christmas trees, cribs, mangers with statues of Baby Jesus as well other decorations that are normally associated with Christmas festivities.

During this event numerous choral concerts will be held at the churches of Birgu. There will also be well known Maltese singers performing traditional as well as modern and popular Christmas songs in Victory Square. Here a warm and inviting ambience will also be created whereat one will also be able to buy traditional Maltese delicacies together with other food stuffs including mild wine, imbuljuta, roasted chestnuts and other traditional Christmas Maltese food.

The town’s main feast bands will be entertaining the crowds along the streets of Birgu while various soloists will be playing musical tunes in various locations.

The programme will start at 18.30 and will end at around midnight.

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11
Dec 07

Valletta and Traditional Maltese cribs

Every year, during the weeks preceding Christmas, the Friends of the Crib hold an exhibition of works by their members. About one hundred cribs of various shapes and sizes made from different media like papier mache, cork etc, are put together to offer visitors, locals and tourists alike, the true story of Christmas, the birth of Baby Jesus.

This exhibition is just a street away from Maison La Vallette ( St Francis Hall, Melita Street Valletta.) It is open from 0900am – 1230pm and from 0400pm – 0700pm admission is free.

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10
Dec 07

Oliver Reed – His Last Pub in Valletta

There can be few shrines to fallen artists that compare to Ollie’s Last Pub. Oliver Reed, star of such films as Women in Love, The Three Musketeers, Oliver! and Castaway, died in 1999 after a drinking session in The Pub in Valetta’s Archbishop Street. Admirers of the actor continue to flock from all over the world to pay their respects by sitting where Ollie sat on his last night on earth.

The Pub, which has been run by the Cremona family for the past 21 years, became Oliver Reed’s favourite drinking spot when he was in Malta on holidays and during the making of his last film, Gladiator. On his last night, Ollie was said to have downed eight pints of lager, some rum and whisky, won an arm-wrestling contest and insisted on paying for the round. In honour of Reed, The Pub subtitled itself “Ollie’s Last Pub” and now produces Oliver Reed mementos for admirers including candles, mugs, plates, T-shirts and bookmarks that display a picture of Reed and the legend of “Ollie’s Last Pub”.
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10
Dec 07

Valletta Waterfront

Nineteen historical 250 year old sumptuous warehouses, built by Grand Master Pinto at the height of the baroque period in Malta … stretching along the water’s edge and the historical Quay Wall where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares … the impregnable Old Power Station that serves as a testimony to the eclectic and heroic history of the Grand Harbour … the Forni Stores, dating back to 1626 and constructed by Grand Master de Vilhena … have now been majestically restored and provide a complete mix of retail, dining and leisure experiences.

All this comes with an added bonus – the majestic setting within the Grand Harbour, a natural deep water port, for many thousand of years the epicentre of Malta’s maritime activity, a truly exceptional and outstanding backdrop.

This harmonious blend between the past and present has made the Valletta Waterfront become one of the most sought out destinations for locals, tourists and visiting cruise passengers and crews.

Whether you are looking for a dining experience, shopping or simply a relaxing walk along the promenade, the Valletta Waterfront has something for all your senses.

The Valletta Waterfront is situated close to Maison La Vallette. If you do not feel like walking there are small electric city cabs which operate a non stop seven days a week service (0700 – 2300). These can pick you up from your accommodation in Valletta and take you directly to the Waterfront for a small fee.

CT Cab – tel 21333321 mob 79333321