Thursday, January 30, 2014

Għanafest 2014

Għanafest is a wonderful three day festival of Maltese folk music.



The festival presents a selection of local folk musicians from various Mediterranean countries and hosts a series of workshops on traditional local instruments and special programmes tailored just for children.

Għanafest is a fabulous three event ideal for the whole family and is complimented by traditional Maltese food and stunning surroundings of the Argotti botanical gardens in Floriana, just a short walking distance from the capital city, Valletta.

Għanafest will take place on the 30th May until the 1st June 2014. For further information visit the Malta Folk Music Festival website.

Contact Hotel Phoenicia today to arrange your accommodation in Valletta for this wonderful festival.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Easter and Holy Week in Malta 2014

Holy Week and Easter is an important time in the Maltese calendar and is primarily celebrated in churches where the faithful gather on mass to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.



Holy week begins on the Friday before Good Friday and  starts when the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in a procession through the Streets of the capital city, Valletta, as well as many other towns and villages in Malta. This is followed by Maundy Thursday, on the eve of Good Friday, where seven different churches are visited in order to pay homage to the Altars of Repose.

The next day, Good Friday, sees a solemn procession of statues that represent episodes in the Passion of Christ and are carried by bearers in various towns and cities. There are typically ten statues used during each procession and in between the statues many participants dress as biblical characters and take part in the procession in a dignified manner. Examples include men bearing a cross or dragging chains tied to their bare feet as an act of penance or faith.

Easter Sunday is a much more lively affair as it renounces the Resurrection of Christ and is celebrated with a statue of the risen Christ moving along the streets, typically accompanied by a band playing festive songs. The end is always at the entrance of the church, the way is cleared and the statue bearers carry the Risen Christ triumphantly back into the church.

Local tradition is represented by exchanging chocolate covered Easter eggs and 'figolla', an almond filled pastry found in various shapes like a rabbit, fish, lamb or heart and covered in icing sugar with most families meeting for a special family lunch.

Events organised exclusively for guests staying at the Hotel Phoenicia during this period:

  • Wednesday 16th April 2014: “Easter traditions” lecture by Mr. Vince Zammit in the Green Lounge C between 6pm and 7pm
  • Thursday 17th April 2014: “Settimana Santa” - Tour of the 3 cities visiting statues, salt displays and more
  • Saturday 19th April 2014: “The Great Siege of 1565 – A Maritime Perspective” excursion by Dr. Timmy Gambin

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Malta International Firework Festival

A spectacular event, known as The Malta International Fireworks Festival takes place annually in 3 well known Maltese locations. Valletta, Bugibba and Marsaxlokk.



The Grand Harbour in Valletta is ideal for this spectacular event, held in April, this years dates have been confirmed for the 25th- 30th April 2014. The festival includes fireworks displays designed by both local and foreign pyrotechnic companies as well as some of the best local fireworks factories.
                 
The event is free of charge and is open to all ages.  To get the best view for the Grand Finale displays on the 30th head to Ta' Liesse / Barriera Wharf, Valletta.

The festival also serves to remember and acknowledge Malta's accession into the European Union on the 1st May 2004.

Fireworks in Malta have a long tradition which goes back as far as the Order of the Knights of St. John. The feu de joie using gun salutes, the musketterija firing of muskets, the solfarelli d'aria, St. Catherine's wheels (irdieden) and other forms of fireworks originated from explosives that were lit off from mortars (maskli) as an expression of rejoicing.

Contact us for any queries about the Fireworks Festival or about your hotel accommodation in Valletta.


Thursday, January 16, 2014

Carnival in Valletta, Malta

Whether you’re visiting Malta for Carnival or you happen to be coming over in February, you would not want to miss the Carnival celebrations in Valletta.

This year’s (2014) Carnival will be taking place in St. George’s Square Valletta – the original place where celebrations used to be organised around 40 years ago. Depictions of earlier Carnival celebrations at St. George’s Square can be seen on Caruana Dingli’s painting at the Phoenicia Hotel, also in Valletta.

Carnival in Malta - Caruana Dingli

Carnival in Malta has always been known for the colourful costumes and delightful food. Moreover, this year will also see the introduction of political satire in the floats and grotesque masks used.

Carnival celebrations in Valletta will take place between the 28th of February and the 3rd of March.

Contact us for any queries about Carnival festivities or about your hotel accommodation.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Inspirations Wedding Fair at 5 Star Hotel Phoenicia, Malta

Planning your wedding is no easy feat.

You would certainly be grateful if all wedding suppliers come together under one roof, making it easier for you to reach them at one go.

The Inspirations Wedding Fair this February is purposely held to assist couples in planning their ideal wedding. All services ranging from wedding venues to bridal wear, hair and make-up, invites, photographer, transport, and all other services that will make your wedding day a truly special one, will be there to assist.

Exhibitors at the Inspirations Wedding Fair at Hotel Phoenicia include:
  • Miss Ellen’s Travelling Treats
  • GB Jewellery
  • Foto-ish the Studio
  • Meli Car Rentals Ltd
  • Fotogenic Studio
  • Speed of Sound
  • Sean Azzopardi Photography
  • Visage Sound Ltd
  • Boo & Co
  • The Mixologist
  • KA Photography
  • Floral Décor
  • Tony’s Photo Studio
  • Natasha Make-up Artist
  • Tie the Knot
  • Hairoscope
  • Frank’s Chauffer Services
  • Handmade Concepts
Opening Hours:
  • Friday 21st February 17:00 to 22:00
  • Saturday 22nd February 17:00 to 22:00
  • Sunday 23rd February 11:00 to 21:00


In the meantime you can find out more about weddings at Hotel Phoenicia here.