On Friday night, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture organised another Birgu by Candlelight. Again, thousands of people from all walks of life turned up for this event that has become another fixture of our cultural and artistic calendar.
Be it Notte Bianca, held successfully last weekend for the second year running, Notte Magica, held at the beginning of a new year, Lejlet Lapsi, held in Gozo, an enhanced Arts Festival of the highest calibre organised over three weeks running at the Opera House ruins, or events such as Birgu by Candlelight, it has been our strategy over these past three years to make sure that Malta becomes an events-oriented country that offers so much more value added to our own people and to visitors.
Three years and hundreds of events later, I feel that I am more than justified to express satisfaction at the fact that this strategy has not only worked well but is also reaping wonderful results.
One of those who attended the latest edition of Notte Bianca sent me a message which read: "Thank you for changing our way of life". It is one of the most cherished compliments that I could ever receive.
It's really been a question of motivating countless others into bringing out what is already our own. Valletta, a city of unique architecture, and Birgu (Vittoriosa), representing the cradle of our history, offer the perfect backdrop and venues for the events held there over these two weekends.
When one organises such events that bring together many of our artists who offer their talent to instil happiness among those watching them, we are making the point that in Malta it is not only a question of having 7,000 years of history to be proud of, but also a question of having a contemporary artistic scene that is active and vibrant.
The emphasis last Friday was on Vittoriosa's crucial role during World War II. It's the city of Victory - commemorating what was achieved in the Great Siege of 1565 and in World War II.
Our collective memory was invigorated through re-enactments, period costumes, display of military vehicles pertaining to the era, theatrical representations, demonstrations by the Malta Command and Cannon Drill, an impressive exhibition by the Society of Scale Modellers, together with the Aviation Museum Foundation, and in general, by offering a taste of this maritime city's feel during those difficult years.
The experience was further enhanced through music, dance, vocal and instrumental sacred music concerts inside the two main churches, guided tours such as Birgu Highlights, military fortifications and the popular Ghosts' Tour, and traditional food.
What then provides for a unique experience is the fact that it all happens by candlelight. Year in, year out I am not only impressed by the genuine collaboration offered by Mayor John Boxall and his active councillors, but also by the warmth and pro-active support that we receive from the residents of Birgu.
Apart from accepting to use candlelight in their own homes, most of them welcome visitors and are more than proud to showcase their abodes as part of the living heritage of the city. This is a level of co-operation and participation that would be very difficult to achieve in other localities. Your own involvement makes Birgu by Candlelight a far more authentic, unique and enjoyable experience.
This year the experience was extended to other parts of Vittoriosa, not least the Cottonera Waterfront that until late was booming with good custom as the regenerated area well deserves.
My gratitude to all those who have worked relentlessly to make it happen, in particular to Mary Anne and her team. Let's keep going for more.
Saying it with cars
As if Notte Bianca, Birgu by Candlelight and the hundreds of other events that portray our country's rich talents were not enough, look out for what will be happening in a week's time.
Tomorrow week, our capital city will witness an unusual carcade made up of a number of classic cars that are coming over to Malta to participate in our first ever Grand Prix of Malta - Classic Cars Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix which will also comprise exhibits from the Old Motors Club of Malta, includes sports cars, two-seater racers and other prestigious cars built between 1910 and 1975.
Following a number of trial runs, the Grand Prix proper takes place on October 28 in the afternoon around four kilometres of road that have been purposely resurfaced. It is expected that this is another event that will draw large crowds.
Building up to the Grand Prix there are various events that spread out from Valletta to Gozo, Vittoriosa, Mosta, as well as Mdina that will host a prestigious Concours d'Elegance (a classic cars' beauty parade).
For classic car enthusiasts, but not only, this is a dream come true. I am confident that well known international organiser Thierry Giovannoni will be ensuring that we shall have amongst us some leading personalities who collect such cars.
The cars on show will include some wonderful Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Alvis, AC Cobra, Lea Francis, a number of Fiats, Talbots, a rare Theo Schneider, Bristols, Lister Jaguar and XJ Jaguars, a 'Birdcage' Maserati, a rare Aston DB 3S, some Porsches, Ferraris and Maseratis. It will be a feast for all discerning eyes, and make no mistake about it - these old classic cars can race well against each other!
Promoting sports' tourism is one of the strategies which we are pursuing to draw more people to our country. Other events that have been organised through the support of the Malta Tourism Authority include the P1 Power Boat Grand Prix, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the BMW Malta Marathon, the Malta Challenge Marathon, the Malta International Air Show, the Malta cycling tour, the Malta Open Ten Pin Bowling Championship, the Trophée Baillie de Suffren, the Bordée Maltaise, the Ferrari Raduno and a host of other sports events.
Saying it through choir singing
Another event to look out for is the Malta International Choir Competition and Festival which will be held between November 1 and 4. Eighteen choirs from 14 countries are taking part in a competition with 10 categories.
Like last year the organisation of this event is entrusted to a joint venture between Interkultur Foundation, an association specialising in the organisation of choir festivals worldwide with headquarters in Pohlheim, Germany, and the Ministry for Tourism and Culture.
Participating countries include Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland. The choirs will be judged by an international panel of jurors composed of three foreign and two Maltese musicians.
Vittoriosa is back on the scene even with this event since that is where we shall be holding the opening ceremony on the evening of Thursday November 1.
Our can-do attitude
"when Fraser Eagle came to Malta, we were overwhelmed by the can-do attitude of its people and the excellent hospitality we were shown. This hospitality and enthusiastic support has allowed our business to prosper in Malta and we now provide a range of services that complement the other companies in our transport, travel and logistics portfolio. We now want others to enjoy Malta as we have. It is for this reason we have launched Allevents by Fraser Eagle."
That's what Kevin Dean, Group managing director, Fraser Eagle, has to say in black on white of our country. It's part of his foreword to an impressive publication just produced by a new destination management company set up to attract more conferences, business and incentive travel as well as events to Malta.
On Thursday evening, it was my pleasure to preside over the launch of this company in a ceremony that was purposely held in London - to attract more business from our largest core market.
Last January, the Prime Minister officially launched the company's Pendle Court in Padiham, Lancashire, in recognition of the company's moving part of its operations to Malta and investing in our country.
Since then Fraser Eagle has chosen to move further ahead with its linkage with our country, and from my discussions abroad, I know that there are further ambitious plans ahead.
It's no coincidence that it's all happening in Malta.
info@franciszammitdimech.com, www.franciszammitdimech.com, Blog: http://franciszd.blogspot.com