Notte Gozitana programme announced

The streets of Victoria, Gozo, will come alive on Ascension weekend for Lejlet Lapsi, Notte Gozitana on Friday, May 22, Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24.

A host of activities with wide appeal, including a balanced mix of different art forms, have been put together into an exciting programme, being organised by the Ministry for Gozo, not just in the capital but around the island.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, who launched the event, said art, music, dance and theatre will be vying for attention, as much as history, local traditions and heritage which were a celebration of Gozo’s characteristic cultural identity.

“The Ministry for Gozo is offering an opportunity to Gozitan artists, musicians, dancers, craftsman and other talented individuals to showcase their abilities during an unforgettable weekend,” Mrs Debono said.

“This is an opportunity for Gozo's economy to be given a much-needed boost not only due to the internal tourism the weekend will generate but also tourism from overseas as it is also being advertised internationally.

“The promotion overseas will have a long-term effect since tourists are being invited to visit this jewel of an island per se not only for this occasion,” she said.

Commercial outlets in Gozo’s capital are encouraged to open throughout the weekend,.

Main stages, each with a different theme, are to be set up in different locations, including at the Citadel, in Independence Square, St George’s Square and at the crossroads in Republic Street, with activities being held simultaneously. Re-enactments and street performances will feature prominently in the narrow, winding streets of Victoria, with concerts and recitals taking place in churches and chapels scattered around the town centre.

The programme

Friday, May 22

Major exhibitions in collaboration with Heritage Malta will be inaugurated at the Ministry for Gozo, the Banca Giuratale, and the Citadel Cultural Centre;

Spectacular Yada show, celebrating the dance company’s 25th anniversary, at St Francis Square;

Retro & Rock Festival at the bus terminus, with the participation of a U2 Tribute Band;

Wine Festival at the Citadel;

Candlelight experience in Victoria

Saturday, May 23, in the morning:

Mini Musical Show by the Gozo College at St Francis Square;

thematic tours round Gozo leave either on foot or by minibus from the bus terminus;

Lunchtime concerts in various chapels.

Saturday afternoon:

Parades, re-enactments and folk shows; infiorata; market for children with various hands-on and educational activities.

Saturday evening and night:

At Independence Square, show by Mike Spiteri and the Fakawi Band, the Moonlighters from Italy, Mark Spiteri Lucas and various Gozitan singers;

At the bus terminus, Dance Festival with live acts, top DJs and attractions;

At The Duke in Republic Street, fashion show;

Candlelight experience in Victoria’s narrow streets;

At St Augustine’s Square at midnight, a ground fireworks (ġigġifogu) spectacular; and on

St George’s Square after midnight, a chillout will feature Paul Giordimaina and Pamela, Renzo Spiteri, and Rhema featuring William Mangion.

Sunday morning:

Gozitan choirs in Victoria’s prime churches; and sbandieratori from Italy and Gozitan dance parade.

Sunday afternoon:

Various re-enactments and a folk show; closing with a pontifical Mass and the Kwaranturi procession from the Cathedral.

Various historical places and museums in Victoria and around Gozo will be open for free to the public.