New series of theme-based cultural tours

This year's series of cultural tours, organised by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture in collaboration with different entities within the same ministry, has been given a new concept from the previous series, as now the tours will be based on a theme.

Eight cultural tours will be held between next Sunday and May 6, 2007.

¤ On Sunday, the theme is 'The Second World War', including visits to the War Museum, St Augustin's Shelter, the Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali and the Shelter Museum in Mgarr.

¤ On November 26, the subject will be 'The Knights' Towers', which will include visits to Wignacourt Tower, the Red Tower, Ghallies Tower, and Qalet Marku tower.

¤ On December 17, the tour will feature traditional cribs.

¤ The theme of the cultural tour on January 28 is 'Traditional Maltese Skills', which will include visits related to the production of honey, the making of filigree, knitting, aquaculture at St Lucien's Tower, and the production of fruit juice.

¤ On February 25, the tour has the theme 'Maltese Historic Houses', and will visit Casa Rocco Piccola, the Toy Museum, the Oratory of the Sacred Sacrament and Villa Parisio in Lija.

¤ March 25 will feature a tour dedicated to 'Small Maltese Churches', with visits to St Anne's church and Victory church in Fort St Angelo, the Sanctuary Museum, Annunciation church and St Mary's church in Zabbar, Bir Miftuh in Gudja and Santu Rokku in Zebbug.

¤ On April 22, a cultural tour will be organised to Gozo.

¤ The tour on May 6 will include an excursion on a boat around Grand Harbour.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said at the launch of the 2006/2007 cultural tours programme that these tours are increasing in popularity, as they promote Maltese heritage, traditions and skills.

The decision to adopt this new concept for the tours was an important step. Dr Zammit Dimech said that these are being brought to the public with re-enactments, so the historical events could easily be linked with Maltese historical buildings and museums. Our cultural and artistic heritage are being transformed into promotion for the country.

The Minister also said that the organisation of these tours reflected the synergy between the tourism industry and culture within the Ministry. He said that these tours would not have been made possible without the collaboration of the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and the different entities within the ministry, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Heritage Malta and the National Orchestra.

Applications should be sent or delivered to the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts at "Casa Gaspe" 230, Republic Street, Valletta. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.