The European Capital of Culture year ushers in an exciting celebration that’s rooted in the unique heritage of the Maltese Islands. Valletta 2018 is an island-wide festa that’s set to unlock everyone’s imagination; it’s a year packed with over 400 events that invites everyone to discover, enjoy and create culture together.
Throughout the year, Valletta 2018 will explore the creative past, present and future of the Maltese Islands thanks to a wide and accessible programme of creative events and initiatives.
From internationally renowned performances, established festivals and activities for the family, to community outreach projects, creative workshops and platforms for emerging talent, 2018 holds something for everybody.
This January, everyone is invited to celebrate the launch of Valletta 2018 with the spectacular displays that make up Four Squares and a treasure-trove of activities set to unfold during opening week.
The Four Squares official opening celebration will be held on Saturday from 7pm. Everyone is invited to experience the music, dance and inspiring performances that are set to light up four main squares in Valletta: Triton Square, St George’s Square, St John’s Square and Castille Square.
Each square will host a 20-minute kick-off show at 7pm, with encores every hour, on the hour, until 11pm. A massive concert/afterparty organised by Tenishia (Joven Grech) and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will close the celebrations in St George’s Square. (For more information about Four Squares, visit www.valletta2018.org)
Valletta 2018 opening week kicks off today. This week-long festival, which involves several communities in Valletta, explores the culture, traditions and hidden gems of the capital city.
A varied programme will be packed with performances, exhibitions and music. Highlights include performances by local bands Brodu, Mistura and the acoustic duo known as Xarulu, stand-up comedy by Chris Dingli and Philip Leone-Ganado, artistic interventions by Teatru Triptiku, open days and exhibitions that uncover Valletta’s little-known treasures, and a host of activities for children and young people.
The festival’s varied themes – Festa, Pop-up, Music & Theatre, Children and Young People, Sport and History – offer a 360-degree exploration of Valletta that ensures many fun-filled outings for family, friends and curious visitors to the city.
This week-long celebration is just the beginning of this spectacular feast. The Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme is hosting a year of events devoted to exploring and celebrating contemporary life on the Maltese Islands.
With six programme strands to explore – Community, Visual Arts and Design, Children and Young People, Performance, Film and Opera, Music and City Highlights – there’s something for everybody.
To plan your very own year in culture, visit www.valletta2018.org or download the Valletta 2018 app.