Our capital and its culture
Valletta is gearing up to celebrate its year in the spotlight as the EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2018.
Since this title was acquired, various creative minds collaborated to create an exciting, vibrant, and a varied programme of events. Various projects have triggered the regeneration and transformation of areas both in Valletta and across the Maltese Islands. This has also brought about the opening of multiple new boutique properties, diverse eateries, funky bars and shopping outlets; including the regeneration of ‘Is-Suq tal-Belt’, an indoor food market which is being restored to its former glory as a central hub of activity.
The Valletta Gears up for European Capital of Culture 2018 Programme kicks off on the 20th of January 2018: a collection of over 140 projects and 400 events are taking place over the year. The themes being offered throughout the year aim to show the vivid nature of island life, its spirit, its scenes, its people, and their stories.
The cultural programme offers a variety of activities, projects and events which cater for all sorts of tastes and interests. These include visual arts, design, contemporary theatre, outdoor screenings, interactive performances and the launch of various contemporary galleries within the Baroque capital.
We list the highlights hereunder:
Picasso and Miró:
The Flesh and The Spirit – April-June 2018- This is a rare exhibition forming part of the major international project Picasso-Méditerranée. Due to sensitivity to the light the works can only be exhibited every few years. Malta has the privilege of being part of the programme with the works being exhibited in the stunning Grandmasters Palace in Valletta.
Valletta Pageant of the Seas :
7th June 2018 – Set against the majestic backdrop of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, the Pageant of the Seas, hosts a programme teeming with exciting daytime activities – competitive races, visual demonstrations and water acts – after sundown, the atmosphere transfigures into a spectacular display of fireworks and light effects.
The Three Palaces Festival :
2nd – 11th November 2018- This is a week-long festival with performances by renowned artists from around the world set in the beautiful setting of three of Malta’s historical Baroque palaces – San Anton Palace, Verdala Palace and the Grandmaster’s Palace – together with the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Notte Bianca :
6th October 2018 – special edition – This annual event illuminates the cityscape of Valletta with a spectacular celebration of arts and culture. The special ECoC edition shall present a programme of events including new media and participatory installations, live music, dance, film and theatre performances. As part of its fringe programme – Notte Bianca Atmosfera – Valletta also opens its museums, historical buildings and art galleries to the public free of charge.
We invite you to have a look at the full programme by clicking here.
Why not make the trip extra special by staying in one of the new unique boutique hotels in the European Capital of Culture 2018 such as The Coleridge.
To learn more about Malta and what 3sixtymeetings can do for you click here.