The Annual Spring Fête and Open Day organised by Din l-Art Helwa at the historic Msida Bastion Garden/cemetery is being held today from 10 am to 3 pm. The Annual Open Day provides Din l-Art Helwa with much needed income for the maintenance of this spectacular historic garden that overlooks the lovely view of Marsamxett Creek, Lazaretto and Fort Manoel from within 17th Century bastions.
Currently in full bloom, the garden has exotic and indigenous plants and trees, set among exquisite early 19th-century neo-classic monuments. Din L-Art Helwa won the 2001 Silver Medal from Europa Nostra for its painstaking restoration of this site.
Guided tours by volunteer historians will be held at 12.45 pm and 2 pm and sandwiches, cakes and refreshments will be on sale. There will be stalls selling bric a brac, potted plants, books, cakes and food preserves. Many local artists will be setting up their easels for an outdoor painting session during the event and their art will be on sale in aid of the garden.
This event makes a lovely day outing for all the family, and admission is free. The Msida Bastion Garden of Rest is best reached by taking the first turning left on Great Siege Road below the Phoenicia Hotel outside Valletta, then the first fork right down past the Public Library below Belt is-Sebh.