Notte Bianca lights up Valletta

Valletta stayed awake last night for the third time in a year, playing host to a vast public that visited the World Heritage city, decked out and geared up to cater for a vast array of cultural and artistic tastes.

The second edition of Notte Bianca Lejl Imdawwal, organised by the Tourism and Culture Ministry, delivered on its promise to be "bigger and better" than last year, improving on teething problems such as public transport and the fact that catering establishments could not cope with the immense demand, while being blessed by good weather which had been an uncertain feature of last year's event.

Ample food and beverage outlets were made available, while shops were encouraged to take the opportunity to stay open - some even organising specific Notte Bianca sales.

Although public transport was organised in such a way that the prime routes were operational until 3.30 a.m., with the possibility of extending the service, and ferries shuttled from the capital to Vittoriosa and Sliema, many planned in advance and parked their cars in Valletta from the morning.

This time, more activities were organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, with the support of the Valletta council, and the public had more to feast its eyes on, even in terms of the city's history.

Last year, the massive influx of visitors had been unexpected - the turnout was estimated at 77,000, with another 22,000 giving up after being deterred by the traffic. So no stone was left unturned to improve the logistics, and Notte Magica last January was the next chance to fine-tune the similar, large-scale activity, registering another success.

The concept of street theatre, using original, unconventional spaces to put up performances in close contact with the public - a trend that was gaining momentum in foreign events of the sort - was maximised in the baroque city yesterday, the ideal venue with its stunning architecture and quaint corners.

In fact, about 64 spaces formed the backdrop to 88 activities, involving 430 artistes and 90 entities - not to mention all the work that went on behind the scenes and has been under way almost straight after the first Notte Bianca was held a year ago.

Maltese and tourists alike were spoilt for choice in terms of musical, literary, artistic, historical, entertaining and other creative events, with a contemporary slant, which were held even in buildings that are not readily accessible, particularly at that time of the night, from City Gate down to the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The all-night celebrations kicked off at 6 p.m. and the vast and varied programme had events lined up until the early hours, with exhibitions open until 4 a.m. at the Tourism Ministry, for example.

Practically every museum, palace, church, auberge, square and garden, as well as the theatres, was utilised, and even Parliament was open to the public.

Highlights included the Demo Morselli and Big Band Orchestra of the Maurizio Costanzo Show at the Royal Opera House ruins, and JaPoRoSeT concerts of pop, rock, soul, folk and jazz at intervals throughout the night at St George's Square.

Another highlight was the spectacular It-Taqbida - a battle of aerial work, fire, music and drama between good and evil on Freedom Square.

The activities also included a number of tours and parades, dance at Hastings Gardens and music videos in Ordnance Street, while architectural features of the capital were illuminated to offer a novel perspective to the viewers.

Once again, the Office of the Prime Minister opened its doors to the public, featuring a spectrum of art and culture - from a euro exhibition to chamber music, flamenco, a choir and an acoustic band. Around 12,000 had visited Castille in the first edition.

The cultural centres and other business and arts entities in the capital were also stops on the Notte Bianca itinerary last night.

Prestigious decorations from towns and villages adorned Merchants Street in the exhibition of Maltese islands: Festas and Traditions, while a medieval market was set up on Independence Square.