Valletta magica
Valletta’s magic is being brought to life on January 9 with a variety of activities all over the city in “Citta Magica” – a noon to midnight celebration.
Various activities will be held for kids during the day and many local bands will entertain the public at night. Many activities will be concentrated in Freedom and St George’s squares, as well as Merchants Street.
Launching the event, Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco noted that January was a relatively quiet period for tourism so this event would be a big attraction.
He hoped tourism would pick up next year to make up for this year’s decline, which was somewhat reversed in December.
Citta Magica is being organised by the Malta Tourism Authority, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism and the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) on behalf of the Valletta Business Community.
He said Citta Magica was the first in a series of events taking place in many localities next year aimed at showcasing Maltese talent.
The full programme of the activity can be seen at http://www.visitmalta.com/event-details?l=1&e=4180 .
41 Comments
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Joe Xuereb
Jan 1st 2010, 03:25
I cannot help feeling that these 'xalati' - thank you Pat Muscat - are nothing more than a detraction from the country's real miseries. Call me cynical.
About the interview in the clip. I guess this being the English language Times, the interviewer would conduct this in English. I tried to imagine the same in Maltese but I could not. I listened instead to the one on offer. The person interviewed did a marvellous job with his English, even trying to 'sound' English. Unfortunately, the unmistakeable and excruciating Maltese tone/accent/cadence lets us down every time. High points for effort. It is the new year after all. Have a good one everybody.
While I'm here. Not so long ago we went through the language saga with Notte Bianca/Lejla Mdawwla. It looks like that lesson did not register at all. And it won't again when it is time for the next xalata.
Muscat. Pat
Dec 31st 2009, 16:35
Sirna pajjiz tax-xalati. No wonder id-deficit bla control!
Sandra Sammut Alessi
Dec 31st 2009, 14:53
Yes yes, we are a nation with its own IDENTITY.....its own History, culture...maybe we are unique........why do we have to hear and read the same comments over and over again.....why do you people compare our little Island rich in its History with places abroad?? This is the way Malta is and will be........Accept your own Home Land once and for all !!!!!!
Joe Xuereb (London UK)
Dec 31st 2009, 14:05
Ma nafx ghaliex ser nikteb dan imma demmi ma jaghtinix li naghlaq halqi.
Ili madwar nofs seklu nghix barra. Kull fejn indur (Londra|) nisma' gruppi ta' nies ta' kull eta', ta' kull gens, jitkellmu lsienhom minghajr ma jghidu kelma wahda biss bl-Ingliz, ecc. U jitkellmu minghajr tlaqliq u b'ritmu regulari u mghaggel. Dan fost il-Maltin ma' jeziistix. Dan ghaliex min jiggvernana, dawk li nitolbu biex Alla jaghtihom id-dehen skond l-innu Malti - u halluna!), jorganizzaw divertiment u biex jigbdu t-turisti, minghalihom, isemmu dawn il-festi b'isem Taljan. F'dak il-kaz, ghat-turisti nahseb ahjar nuzaw l-Ingliz. Imma l-aqwa jkun li naghtuhom isem Malti, ghall-Maltin, u jekk jinzertaw xi barranin, igawdu maghna. Imma biex isir dan, l-ewwel jehtieg nifhmu li ghandna problema tal-lingwa, ta' identita`. Sakemm ma nammettux dan, ilsienna dejjemsejjer aktar meqrud u moribond. Min qal hawn taht li l-gost tas-safar hu li wiehed jissara ma' dak kollu li mhux bhal taghna, dan jigi lura aktar gharef, bIniedem aktar interessanti. Id-differenza hi bejn it-turist, mohhu maghluq, u vjaggatur, esploratur.
Nammetti li f'dawn l-erbgha kelmiet hemm hafna kliem mit-Taljan. Dan mhux tort tieghi. Imma ghallanqas ma nkomplux ngharrqu l-bastiment bi kliem Taljan, Ingliz, ecc. meta m'hemm l-ebda bzonn.
Joe Fenech
Dec 30th 2009, 19:55
The use of Italian shows that deep down that the Maltese 'language' is not language at par with German, Italian, English, French... It is a language which is only fit for daily communication between locals. Would the Italians, Germans, French, Spanish, English come up with a foregin title? NO - that's because they have languages that have generated world-class literature, and strong nations. So people feel proud of these languages. Can one say the same thing about Maltese?: well, I'll leave the answer to you!
J.Borg
Dec 30th 2009, 14:54
For those moaning about a name and Maltese language BUT if we are saying that our language is dying out is it not because of us ... how many of us including myself write an SMS or an e-mail in Maltese? How many locals and students you speak to them in Maltese and respond back in English [or Maltese changed to English]? How many teach our children English language before Maltese ...
We tend to be very patriotic but 'fino in fondo' we commit the mortal sin to kill our language same as this event heading, if you see it so ...
Tanja Cilia
Dec 30th 2009, 13:56
How does one pronounce Valletta Magica in Maltese? Valletta is probably the only Capital City in the world known colloquially as "The City" - surely we could have "capitalised" on this?
M Caruana
Dec 30th 2009, 13:31
Jiddispjacini nghid lil awtorita', ghalfejn ma nsemmux l-attivitajiet nazzjonali bil-Malti. Ara jekk ma tmurx barra minn Malta u tara attivita' go pajjiz bil-lingwa barranija mill-pajjiz!!!. Naqbel hafna ma' certu kummenti li ntqalu qabel. Qed nindunaw li minn suppost qed jippromovi l-lingwa Maltija qed ikissirha hu stess. Mhux taf b'xejn it-tfal taghna qed jaraw li l-lingwa Maltija f' livell baxx, ghax jafu li nies prominenti/ midja qed juzaw aktar l-lingwi bhal l-Ingliz jew Taljan.
Forsi nistghu niftakru li l-lingwa Maltija hi wahda mill-lingwi nazzjonali ta' l-Unjoni Ewropeja!!!!
Naqbel ma' xi nies li dawn l-attivitajiet ghandhom isiru anke f' postijiet bhal Bugibba, Qawra ecc.. halli forsi xi darba dawn il-postijiet jergghu jiehdu r-ruh!!
Ivan Vassallo
Dec 30th 2009, 12:50
Yes we are a nation with its own identity, but essentially moulded on paradigms parallel if not identical to Sicily and hence Italy. This is not a negation of our cultural uniqueness as our Language though based from Arabic, still it has an ample stratum from Italian which became part and parcel of our language.
The worst thing linguistically for Maltese could only be a linguistic purism aimed at wiping out any Italian influence. As some pro-british linguists did try. As a matter of fact the Arabic dialect became the Maltese language when it detached itself through the influence of neighbouring Sicilian and Italian, then and ONLY then this dialect could be called MALTESE and not ARABIC thus forming our unique linguistic identity .
Apart from that, before wasting time on petty forced agruments on a petty title, it would be better if we spoke on the lack of local maltese people in taking interest and study history.
Galea. L
Dec 30th 2009, 11:14
Ivan Vassallo
Whatever foreign language is used I would have complained because as a Maltese citizen I expect the authorities and organizers to use OUR MALTESE Language not any foreign one to advertise their events in Malta. Even if they advertised them on foreign media they should still use Maltese names to give them that local touch.
As an example, will the authorities consider naming an vent in Chinese, Japanese, Thai (with due respect to these and other languages that I have mentioned as an example because I believe that NO language should be allowed to lost) or any other language because it might attract visitors from these countries?
I cannot understand why other countries name everything in their own language and our authorities and organizers just use foreign languages instead of promoting the Maltese Language. This is only an acute inferiority complex which our authorities and organizers seem to extremely suffer from.
Manuel Mangani
Dec 30th 2009, 11:01
@ Ivan Vassallo and Edric Micallef Figallo
We are a nation with its own identity, an essential part of which is our own language. The fact that Italian was once the language of culture in Malta is neither here nor there. So were Arabic, Latin and Punic further back in history.
The problem is that the Civil Service (broadly defined) and the Cabinet itself grossly lack sensitivity in linguistic matters, as evident by the unnecessary use of English ( e.g. Park & Ride, Pharmacy of your Choice) in so many projects and initiatives.
iCocker
Dec 30th 2009, 09:12
Many seem to forget that for many years Malta was part of the Kingdom of Sicily and for many more years Italian was our second language [especially foir the elite] only to be changed over after 200 years under Colonial influence. Apart that many in the 30s/40s were still inclined to be part of Italy tehn under the Empire ... so Italian has some old roots in our history and probably much more words are coming from latin and Italian in our language then English, like it or not.
On the other hand probably Valletta Magica with the Italian slang is more used as a marketing plot then any historical contest ... but considering that wording are almost identical in our language 'Magika' written in Maltese would have given a better view, keeping the sound Italianised but at least showing our language more prominent, finally this event is MADE IN MALTA!
Ivan Vassallo
Dec 30th 2009, 06:32
I fully agree with Mr. Figallo.
If the name of the event was done in English nobody would have butted in. Maltese survived without an orthography and with the status of a local dialect for centuries. Its survival and development was guaranteed THANKS to the ITALIAN language. Let's face it Italian was here 600 years before the dictatorial usurpation of English.
Carmen Borg
Dec 30th 2009, 05:47
Talk about cultural cringe!! Why "Citta Magica", "Notte Bianca" etc? Where do the Maltes live now, in Italy?
Don't the Maltese know the maltese language anymore?
Joe Fenech
Dec 30th 2009, 01:57
Oh, give us a break! What? Valletta has turned into Paris, Rome, Florence, Vienna, Bruges..??????? Too big for our boots as usual!
Saviour Sam Agius
Dec 30th 2009, 00:43
@Vince DeBono: I was recently in Poland and it took me ages to learn to pronounce the names of the cities properly. It's part of the fun to be baffled by the mysterious local lingo, I can assure you. If anything, it gives it authenticity. If the tourist wants to feel home, he'd stay at home. The main purpose of leisure travel is to see new things and why not, struggle in twisting your tongue around the local language. It's not like they're going to end up in Armier if they don't pronounce "Lejla Msaħħra" properly. I've heard tourists saying Zurich instead of Żurrieq. They weren't sent to Switzerland.
Joe Xuereb
Dec 29th 2009, 21:09
It is said that all small languages will have disappeared in a few decades' time. Do we have to hurry the process out of sheer ignorance, lack of self-respect, lack of self-esteem. Waxing lyrical about having our language being recognised in the EU is all very well. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating as we say. The free-flow of language to the average Maltese is unknown already. Hence any speech is peppered with what sounds like stammering. Any meaning is lost as one struggles to speak a mish-mash of English/Italian/lastl, very lastly, Maltese and not one or any of the three coming across as anywhere near intellegibe. Maltese is akin to Arabic, a noble language. Get over it. Celebrate it. And that which we can really call our own might yet stand a chance. In spite of the odds. But like the alcoholic, we must first admit we have a problem on our hands.
PS. I could as well have written this in Maltese in spite of half a century away. I am a chip of the old block. But sadly, an English script is more appealing to the Maltese it seems.
Edric Micallef Figallo
Dec 29th 2009, 19:57
Il-lingwa Maltija għandha tkun promossa, imma mhux bl-istupidità. L-isem huwa għażla xierqa meta tittieħed in konsiderazzjoni l-istorja tagħna, li hi minsuġa għal sekli sħaħ bil-patrimonju tal-lingwa Taljana fil-passat, fil-preżent u fil-futur. Wara kollox, Valletta, li suppost La Valletta, huwa isem tali proprju grazzi għall-kultura Taljana sekolari ta' dan in-Nazzjon. Ma ntgħażilx isem bil-Franċiż anke jekk il-Gran Mastru kien Franċiż proprju għalhekk, it-toroq fil-Belt (u mhux biss) kienu magħrufa bl-ismijiet Taljani tagħhom. Il-lingwa Maltija tinkiteb bl-alfabett Latin proprju grazzi għall-kultura Taljana ta' missirijietna, il-maġġor parti tal-vokabolarju tagħha huwa Sqalli u/jew Taljan. Aktar eżempji ma jonqsux. Il-patrimonju, il-kultura u l-identità Maltija ma jibdewx u jiefqu mal-lingwa Maltija, iżda jmorru oltre u jinkludu patrimonju spiss Taljan. Dawk li jeqirdu kontra l-għażla ta' l-isem, jeqirdu bl-Ingliż u spiss għandhom kunjom ta' oriġini Taljana. Viva l-koerenza MAGICA! :) Ħallukom mill-qrid mhux f'loku favur il-lingwa Maltija, li kull m'għamel fil-passat huwa li iggarantixxa l-eġemonija kulturali tal-lingwa Ingliża. Aħjar teqirdu għall-fatt li l-Malti qed isir farsa b'salt paroli Ingliżi u kull fejn tmur f'dal-pajjiż għandek xorti jekk tinqeda bil-Malti u/jew b'Malti deċenti (deċenti qed ngħid, mhux eċċellenti). Prosit lill-On. Mario de Marco ta' l-inizjattiva u nawgura li tkun suċċess kif għandha tkun.
Neil Schembri
Dec 29th 2009, 19:03
I fully agree with Claire Busuttil !
Charles Micallef
Dec 29th 2009, 18:22
To Hon. Censu Galea MP Good intervention, but Qawra and Bugibba will always be 'the poor relations' to Sliema and St Julian's & Valletta. It does help when the people with the final say in organizing such events, and the ones' who have the pull in the Industry live in the Sliema and St Julian's and areas. I am sure that like me you feel heartbroken to see how far down hill our once thriving resort gone...I am sure that you equally get approached again by the once thriving business fraternity with their heart breaking stories!
Alfred Grech
Dec 29th 2009, 18:09
Perche' Valletta Magica? Ghax ma ssibux isem bil-Malti? What's wrong with finding an adequate Maltese name to describe the event?
Galea. L
Dec 29th 2009, 17:41
Vince DeBono Third answer is irrelevant. If you go to Italy, France, Germany and to any other country and they have the name of something in their own language they wouldn't worry if you cannot read it out. We should always use OUR language in all activities. Other countries do it so why shouldn't we? Joseph Cauchi Its not being touchy to as name. We have OUR OWN language so why should we use Italian or any other language. It seems that those who were always in favour of Italian and who only saw the Maltese language as to be used by the lower classes are having a field day. All these names should be changes when we have a new government.
Censu Galea MP
Dec 29th 2009, 16:55
I fully understand the emphasis on Valletta. On the other hand these sort of acticvities should take place in other areas as well.
May I suggest that some other activities be organised around Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul's Bay. (amongst others).
MTA would do well to co-ordinate with MHRA, GRTU, anyone else who is interested and the local council to organise such activities.
Last July 'Bugibba Fest' qas successfully organised, why not try something during the winter months?
While at it, now that we are at the end of the year, or rather, the beginning of a new one MTA shuld try as best as it could for the airshow to return to this locality, and for the activities which used to take place out at sea, tto happen again.
Vince DeBono
Dec 29th 2009, 16:53
Few Comments.
Q:- Should we or should we not organise these events in view of the world / Maltese financial crises?
A:- MTA has to advertise and create / ehance attractions in order to entice people to Malta
Q:- When?
A:- Off season. Spending money or doing something when there is enough going on - such as Christmas / New year / Carnival / Summer is a criminal waste of resources and effort.
Q:- Name?
A:- Any language that can be recognised by the main recipient of these MTA activities... not 'lejl sahhar' - imagine an English speaker trying to fathom out what in English sounds like 'ledge-il' is actually worth taking an interest in.
Joseph Cauchi
Dec 29th 2009, 16:32
I am astonished how some of the commentators are so touchy by this title of “Citta Magica”!
I think that this title is appropriate when most of the events taking place are called Notte Bianca, Notte Magica and now this.
What has our national language got to do with this title?
A name is a name, that’s all.
Yes, Citta Magica is appropriate and I like it.
JC.
B. Pollacco
Dec 29th 2009, 16:26
@P.Borg
I thinks its better than having two activieties after each other and at least they are taking the iniciative to do soemthing fun for the whole family and the people to enjoy.
There are places around the world who have to pray to have activities like this so lets enjoy them whilst they are still getting orgainised
J.C.AZZOPARDI
Dec 29th 2009, 16:23
L-Onor Demarco nesa li tezisti l-Ghaqda Kazini tal-Banda li sena ilu ltaqghet mieghu u fissritlu l-impenn taghha biex iktar baned Maltin, skond roster mhejji apposta jkunu nvoluti f'celebrazzjonijiet ta natura kulturali fejn jidhol il-gvern. Forsi ma konniex naghmlu kif sar ricentement fin Notte Bianca u nohorguh bl-unuri? Jekk jistaqsi lill-organizzaturi tal-Kunsill Malti ghal Kultura u l-Arti jinfurmawh kemm ikkoperajna u stinkajna u assitejna bhala Ghaqda biex dik l-attivita kienet success.
Ir-raguni ghaliex ma gejniex konsultati, anzi, kif ghandu jkun, mitluba biex ninnominaw il-baned ahna, jaghtijielna iz-zmien.
j.c. azzopardi
segretarju, ghaqda kazini tal-Banda
Galea. L
Dec 29th 2009, 16:11
Still using foreign names for whatever is organized.
Shame on who is choosing such names.
Bernard Mamo
Dec 29th 2009, 16:04
Oh please QUIT naming events with italian names! it's such a pity that we as a microstate don't boast that we have our own language and traditions! just imagine having a similar event in paris... i'm sure they would use an italian name! - NOT!
Cardona charles
Dec 29th 2009, 15:43
Another event held by the government of the day to aliniate the Maltese public from the prsent disastrous situation in the Maltes islands? Please remember Mr.Government that the Maltese people will vever forget the mess we are in and the sky high prices expences we are made to pay .
stephen Baldacchino
Dec 29th 2009, 15:26
Another nightmare day for parking in Valletta. God help us residents on that day, espacially us who live in city gate.
Claire Busuttil
Dec 29th 2009, 15:00
Ridiculous, calling it Citta Magica,!!!!!!!!!We have our own language!!
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Dec 29th 2009, 14:41
Here we go again. Is this Malta Maltija or Italy. Why again an Italian word. I love the Italian Language but this is Malta so "Il-Belt Valletta Belt li Sahrek." Why is the Tourist Ministry always using Italian Words? Still in time to adjust.!!!!!!!!!!!! And what exectly is the idea behind this activity. I do not think it is going to help bring tourists over in less then a Months Publicity. The only good is that our young children may enjoy the day's activities but at night I do not think it is the right time. MAYBE THIS IS A BONUS FOR US ALL TO FORGET FOR A WHILE THE WATER & ELECTRICTY BILLS a real burden on us all including the many commercial establishments and places of work.
Roderick Cristina
Dec 29th 2009, 14:39
While it's nice that such activities are organised I fully agree on WHY Citta Magica and not Belt Magika!!! Dr De Marco we should be proud with what's Maltese and use our own language! As for the activity it's a very good idea that the mTA is planning to hold such activities in many localities next year.
Joseph A.Borda
Dec 29th 2009, 14:36
Good Initative..............I suggest that Valletta needs more activities like this say...once a month..........
May i ask one question please......Any particular reason why Valletta Local Council is not involved in this initative................
Keep it up Dr De Marco.......we need people like you for Valletta...and not sleepy ones........
Charles Micallef
Dec 29th 2009, 14:04
Can we have a Qawra & Bugibba Magica,
It should not be difficult...we already started with
Hotels,
Restaurants,
Car Hire,
Souvenir Shops
Cafe Bars
They already received the magic wand treatment and for the next trick.....create a ghost town...no too late there is one already.........!
Pio Dalli
Dec 29th 2009, 13:54
May I suggest "Il-Belt Imsahhra" as a name. I think it is more suited for Malta's capital city.
J.Borg
Dec 29th 2009, 13:41
what a waste of money..........hasn't the minister read about the deficit.......or GONZIPN doesn't care about this.
Why didn't the minister organize this on New Year's Day?
Vera dejjem insibu biex naljenaw lin-nies!!!!!!!!!!
Mario Farrugia
Dec 29th 2009, 13:37
Imma jahasra GHALIEX bit-Taljan??? Ghaliex???? X'inhi dil-fissazzjoni fuq il-lingwa Taljana? Ahna Maltin, jew m'ahniex?????
Nixtieq xi hadd mill-MTA jew mill-GRTU jew minghand Dott. DeMarco nnifsu jfehmni ghaliex Notte Magica. Ma nixtieqx skuzi.. nixtieq RAGUNI.
P Borg
Dec 29th 2009, 13:37
LOL it seems as though it is an italian city! Citta magica, notte bianca...
I can't understand why all this fuss with organising these nights at Valletta (sponsored by us through our taxes!), when the first thing that it needs is a massive general clean-up from the dirt that has accumulated during the years and a big shake-up to the general neglect that it is in.
Roderick Spiteri
Dec 29th 2009, 13:03
Good initiative.. Any particular reason for not calling it 'Belt Maġika'?