The second kite festival will take place at Triton Square, Valletta today at 10.30am. It is organised by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre in Malta and MUŻA (the Malta National Community Art Museum).
Guo Hong Li is an expert in research and production of kite handicrafts from China’s Shandong Province prefecture-level city of Weifang, which enjoys an unparalleled reputation as ‘the cradle of kites’ and ‘kite capital of the world’. He will be giving demonstrations and workshops on the subject.
Specialised in the creation and design of Weifang traditional kites, Guo’s team will visit a number of local schools next week to share their knowledge with students and educators.
The kite is believed to have been invented in China in the fifth century BC by Chinese philosophers Mozi and Lu Ban. Kite-flying was originally used for military purposes, to send signals or messages, test wind and measure distances. It was not until the Song Dynasty (960–1279) that kite-flying rose to popularity as a means of art and recreation, spreading to neighbouring countries across the sea and along the Silk Road, eventually reaching western Europe.
For more information contact the China Cultural Centre on maltaccc@gmail.com.