Back in 2012, Valletta was voted European Capital of Culture for the year 2018. And as time has passed and now the turn of the New Year is fast approaching, preparations for the large scale event are in full swing. So if you’re visiting the capital city next year and staying at The Valletta G House, all these events will be happening just walking distance away. You can definitely expect a culturally rich travel experience!
400 Valletta European Capital Culture 2018 Events in 365 Days
As one of the largest events in Maltese history, the Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018 event promises to shed light on both Malta’s unique culture as well as the European culture as a whole. The mammoth event welcomes all Malta’s citizens, expats and tourists alike to join in what’s been called a nation-wide ‘festa’. All in all the Valletta 2018 Foundation has planned 400 diverse cultural events falling into 5 different categories.
While Malta’s capital will play host to most of the events taking place throughout Valletta 2018, there are several other events in Malta’s other cities, towns and villages which you can enjoy too. Amongst the happenings you can expect to find are several art events, theatre performances, design and literature festivals and community events that are aimed to celebrate Maltese culture and enrich society as a whole.
If you happen to be visiting the islands in mid-January, you’ll be able to witness an event of a lifetime – the Valletta 2018 Opening Ceremony. This particular event will take place in several locations in Malta’s walled capital and will set the tone for the Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018 Winter Events that are to follow as well as the rest of the events that 2018 has in store. Below are some of the key events that we’re looking forward to most!
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Valletta Green Festival
Dates: 4-8th May 2018
During the Valletta Green Festival which takes place in mid-spring each year, Valletta is transformed into a colourful city with flowers and mélange of plants. Whilst at the Valletta Green Festival, you’ll be able to view the signature of the event – the floral carpet composed of 80,000 potted plants. Moreover, you’ll also be able to gain access to two of Valletta’s hidden gems – the Archbishop’s Palace and the Convent of St. Catherine.
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Malta Fashion Week and Awards
Dates: 28th May to 2nd June 2018
In recent years, the fashion scene in Malta has become rife with talent. And the Malta Fashion Week and Awards never disappoint in celebrating the local talent which Malta’s cultivated. The next one which will be held next year will mark the 8th Fashion Week to be held in Malta and the 20th edition of the Malta Fashion Awards giving key people in the industry the opportunity to network with designers and exchange ideas at parties, shows, exhibitions, design workshops, pop-up shops and more.
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The Valletta Pageant of the Seas
Dates: 7th June 2018
The Maltese capital’s natural harbour, known as the Grand Harbour, has been used for generations upon generations and is a phenomenal sight in itself to see on a regular day. However on one special evening, that’s certainly not to be missed, the Valletta Pageant of the Seas event with its competitive races, visual demonstrations and water acts will transform the Harbour into an even more enchanting sight.
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The Valletta Film Festival
Dates: 8th to 17th June
Over the last few years, Malta’s film industry and appreciation for the cinematic arts has grown from strength to strength. And the Valletta Film Festival, which is organized by the Film Grain Foundation, is always one of the most awaited festivals in Valletta’s calendar of events. During the 2018 version, you can expect to find over 40 feature films and 20 short films available for viewing at both indoor and open-air cinemas located around the ancient fortified city.
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Notte Bianca 2018
Date: 6th October 2018
A key annual event that’s usually marked in everyone’s calendars is none other than Notte Bianca. And in 2018, the nocturnal celebration will once again be held to delight its attendees who look forward to visiting the open museums and exhibitions and to seeing the night’s performances.
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Malta Book Festival
Dates: November 2018
The Malta Book Festival is many an islander’s favourite event as it provides a fantastic opportunity for many bookworms to discover new titles to read. The annual festival is held at the historic location called Mediterranean Conference Center in the lower part of Valletta and has an attendance rate of about 30,000 people.
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Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018 Closing Spectacle
Date: 15th December 2018
Location: St. George’s Square, Valletta
After a long year of events, Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture will come to an end. And whilst this will probably be quite sad for those who have taken part and attendees who’ve enjoyed the events (and certainly for us at Valletta G House too), the Valletta 2018 Closing Spectacle promises to leave us all breathless. So we’ll just have to wait until the very end, don’t we? But first we’ll attend the events!
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