The beat of drums and the unmissable sound of the pipes reverberated through the streets of Valletta which hosted the 15th edition of the Malta Military Tattoo over the weekend.

The event returned to the city, currently the European Cultural Capital, making the move even more symbolic as the show took place in St George’s Square and the Grandmaster’s Palace Courtyard.

The military tattoo has steadily grown as an ideal scenario that provides a platform for local and foreign military bands to come together and display their talents.

International groups that took part this year included Topside, the US Naval Forces Europe’s New Orleans-style brass band, and Sicily’s Bersaglieri di Trapani.

The Bersaglieri di Trapani were established in 2002 to maintain the traditions of the Sicilian region. The band, members of which are all dedicated to preserve the deep and patriotic values of their ancestors, has been invited to various other displays across Europe, bringing to audiences a modern, youthful version of the Bersaglieri whilst also maintaining the traditional values of the Bersaglieri Corps.

A platform for local and foreign military bands to come together

Joining the military bands was The Emerald Isle Dance Team; a formation of dancers from Dublin and Kildare in Ireland, led by members of the renowned Cairde Damhsa Irish Dance Teachers Association.  

They danced to traditional Irish music and brought to the military tattoo the traditions of dance routines associated with such displays.  

Several local military groups also staged their own performances. The Armed Forces of Malta band were joined by the AFM drill team, who displayed the precision and discipline of the military routines.

The Malta Police Force Band delivered an impressive display along with the Police Force Drill Team.

Four local pipe bands – First Cospicua Scout Group Pipes and Drums, First Ħamrun Scout Group Duke of Argyll’s Own Pipe Band, Marsa Scouts Pipes and Drums and the Wallace Pipes and Drums – also staged performances.

They were accompanied by the Maltese group of Highland Dancers from the Artistique Dance Company.

The Malta Military Tattoo was organised by Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre and supported by the Valletta 2018 Foundation and the Malta Tourism Authority.

Traditional dance routines added to the allure of the Malta Military Tattoo.