At the beginning of the new year, the 'Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture' events in Malta's capital, Valletta, have concluded. As early as October 13, 2012, Valletta, along with all localities in Malta and Gozo, was awarded the honorary title of European Capital of Culture for 2018. The week-long opening events from January 14 to January 21, 2018, kicked off a year-long cultural celebration. The entire opening week featured St. George's Square, St. John's Square, and Castile Square as the main venues, with street art performances and marching bands spreading to every corner of Valletta. Let us look back at these spectacular opening performances.
'Triton Fountain' – The Fountain Square at the Bus Terminus outside Valletta City Gate
On January 14, the Catalan theater group La Fura dels Baus, accompanied by the local Maltese dance troupe ZfinMalta, mingled with the crowds gathered around the Triton Fountain, introducing the opening enthusiasm of the cultural week through interactive theatrical engagement with the public.
Valletta Ferry
The two public ferry routes connecting Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities became stages for musicians from January 15 to January 18, and on January 20. Various styles of music were performed live at the terminals and on the ferries, providing first-hand musical enjoyment for passengers traveling between Sliema and the Three Cities.
Public Transports
During the opening week, public buses to and from Valletta were no longer monotonous. Artists attempted to convey the joyful atmosphere of Valletta 2018 to every village and town in Malta. Famous Maltese singer Ozzy Lino transformed himself into a 'human jukebox,' boarding public buses at random to perform for passengers.
Traditional Maltese Regatta (Masarmxett Harbour)
The Regatta is a traditional Maltese boat racing event, with boats similar in appearance to Chinese dragon boats. From January 15 to 20, between 18:00 and 21:30, at the Marsamxett Harbour, members of the Valletta Regatta team opened their boat-building workshop doors to explain the construction process to the public. The public was also able to get a close-up look at a large, 400-meter-long boat from the regatta team. On the morning of January 21, from 10:30 to 13:00, an exciting regatta performance took place at the Marsamxett Harbour.
St. Paul's Festival Children's Celebration (San Pawl taż-Żgħar)
To welcome the important festival of St. Paul in Valletta, a children's version of the St. Paul's festival parade was held during the opening week. On January 20, from 9:00 to 13:00, from St. Paul Street to St. Lucia Street in Valletta, children carried small-scale religious statues, holding a street parade for the St. Paul's festival just like their elders.
Musician Round Valletta Street
A band combining traditional and modern instruments began performing and parading on Republic Street in Valletta on January 20 at 11:30, gathering with local residents and tourists. This band parade reached its climax in front of the Law Courts in the center of Valletta, featuring popular, catchy, and cheerful music, aiming to enjoy the fun brought by the musical city together with the people on the street.
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