If you’re looking at organising your next business trip to Malta, then you won’t be disappointed. With plenty of venues for your meeting and plenty to do during your free time, you and your colleagues will want to come back soon! Despite being a small island, the events’ calendar in Malta is always bustling with activities, and if you schedule your trip around some of annual major event, you’ll be killing two birds with one stone.
The village Festa
If you want to mingle with the locals and get a taste of a traditional event, then a visit to a village festa is a must. Essentially, this is a religious celebration of the patron saint of the village, with processions, marching band clubs and ongoing fireworks. From June till September, there is a feast being celebrated in some village or town, every weekend. While you’re there, make sure to enjoy the fireworks display and try out the traditional nougat, known as qubbajt, which are sold from wooden stands around the village square.
Carnival
A tradition dating back to the 1500s, carnival is now a staple event in the Maltese calendar, celebrated in February or early March each year. Carnival is celebrated before Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent, and traditionally it was known as the last day to eat meat before 40 days of fasting in the run up to Easter. During carnival week, expect grotesque masks, silly costumes, extravagant coloured floats and artistic dancers. The fulcrum of the activities take place around the streets of Valletta or in Nadur in Gozo.
Music Events
If you are a music-lover, in Malta you will be spoilt for choice. The music calendar is always bursting with activities, whatever your preferences. In Summer, the annual Jazz Festival is held in Ta Liesse, Valletta, during a four-day event hosting some of the best local and international artists. Top artists such as Chick Corea, Al di Meola and Jazzmeia Horn have performed at this festival. For the younger generation the Isle of MTV rocks our island every July and the Isle of MTV Malta Music Week, keeps the party going with iconic club nights ranging from open air club events to sunset boat parties. For something with more of a local taste, you should look out for the annual Għana Fest, where you can enjoy traditional folk music, which is characterised by two singers spontaneously coming up with sharp and witty verses.
