Four squares in Valletta will take centre stage on January 20 next year, as Valletta officially becomes the European Capital of Culture.

On the day, the international acrobatics company La Fura Dels Baus will perform in the Triton fountain Square, while the national dance company ŻfinMalta will take to the stage at St George's Square.

Meanwhile, a choir will be lifting spirits in St John's Square outside the cathedral, while visuals will be projected onto Castille’s façade.

Organisers are expecting some 60,000 visitors on the day

Since the organisers are expecting some 60,000 visitors on the day, other artists will be entertaining people along the streets, Artistic Director for Special Events Mario Philip Azzopardi told a press conference during which Valletta 2018 Foundation launched a “taster” of the programme of events.

Addressing the launch, V18 chairman Jason Micallef noted that since taking office four years ago, the team behind the foundation had grown.

One of his toughest challenges had been rising above partisan politics, something he “humbly” believes he managed to achieve.

In his address, Mr Micallef proposed turning the foundation into a cultural agency that takes on the role of curator for activities already being organised in Valletta, such as the Valletta Pageant of the Seas, which will this year be held on June 7.

In a bid to strengthen V18's legacy, he also suggested holding a local cultural capital event every three years, something that is already organised in the UK and Lithuania.

 

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