September 2022 - The Phoenicia Malta

Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of events on the island of Malta. In fact, one may enjoy a number of different activities during the autumn and winter period, ranging from sports to culture and traditions. Choose your favourite activity, book your Mediterranean holiday at The Phoenicia Malta and enjoy a city break under some winter sun!

1. Birgu Fest

Originally held to showcase Vittoriosa’s historical architecture, it was later renamed to Birgu Fest and includes a concert, reduced museum prices, mini cruises, screenings, and food stalls. The highlight of Birgu Fest is that the whole city is lit up with candles. The city dwellers turn out the lights in their homes, and light hundreds of candles both inside and outside their homes. If you happen to be in Malta during October, Birgu Fest is must-see!

2. Rolex Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney – Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a “must do” race. The Rolex Middle Sea Race kicks off on the 22^nd October nearby The Phoenicia Malta, from the Grand Harbour in the waters opposite the Saluting Battery in Valletta and Fort St. Angelo in Birgu. Every year, thousands of people gather on either side of this imposing harbour to enjoy this spectacle of sail.

3. Sigma Europe

Returning to its roots, the SiGMA Group is planning to draw industry leaders from across the globe to the sunny isles of the Maltese archipelago for a week of networking, workshops and brainstorming. With Europe being one of the premier economic regions, the conference will be uniting market titans amongst the affiliates, operators and suppliers of the Gaming industry with an infinite amount of opportunities for both the investors and the entrepreneurs seeking to shape the future of this multi-billion dollar industry. The gaming festival will take place between the 14 – 18 November.

4. Christmas festivities

Christmas is a highly celebrated festivity in Malta and Gozo, both for its religious significance as well as in its more social aspect. The season is celebrated to its fullest on the Maltese Islands, with the active participation of many; Nativity scenes, displays of cribs, carol services and other events are organised in each locality. Just outside The Phoenicia Malta one may also enjoy a Christmas City which includes numerous attractions for children, as well as an ice rink, food and drink stalls, and more.

5. New Year’s Eve

Many locals and visitors alike spend New Year’s Eve celebrating in Valletta or the neighbouring town of Floriana, both of which usually host large street parties, with free admission. The party is usually closed by a huge pyrotechnic display at the stroke of midnight in Valletta. St George’s Square, the Valletta Waterfront and St. Anne’s Street in Floriana are popular gathering points and the best locations to celebrate the count down. All locations are within walking distance of The Phoenicia Malta.

6. Baroque Festival

Taking as its main venue one of the oldest working theatres in the world, Teatru Manoel, this prestigious two-week festival also plays out within many wonderful baroque and historical venues, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and The Verdala Palace. Organised by Festivals Malta every January, under the artistic direction of Kenneth Zammit Tabona, the festival highlights the enormous versatility of the baroque idiom and its mass appeal. Above all the festival’s strength lies in the wonderful baroque settings that one finds in Valletta and the Maltese archipelago; a precious legacy that each and every one of us Maltese treasure. The festival will take place between the 11^th – 29^th January.

7. Carnival

Carnival is one of the oldest historical festivals in Malta, with just under five centuries of documented history dating back to the Knights of St John’s occupancy in Malta. Spread over five days (17 – 21 February) just before lent in Valletta and in villages around Malta and Gozo, Carnival takes over the streets in a spectacle that merges choreography with spontaneous theatre. Carnival is a remarkable celebration hosting exuberant parades of spectacular floats, beautiful costumes, and grotesque masks – a true testament to the incredible talent of Carnival aficionados.

8. Quality time at The Phoenicia Malta

Book your flights to Malta and join us at one of Malta’s top 5-star hotels for a Spa break or Romantic Getaway. With its stunning Deep Nature Spa, acres of manicured gardens and central location, The Phoenicia Malta is the ideal place for a mini break to unwind, relax, and enjoy leisurely walks around the Capital City of Valletta.

With all these activities taking place around The Phoenicia Malta, it’s no wonder that it’s the ideal base for your autumn or winter trip to Malta. Take advantage of our Autumn and Winter packages, and make it a holiday to remember.

Christmas in Malta

Maltese Carnival

As summer draws to a close, we think back on the exciting events which took place at The Phoenicia Malta these last few months. From the Malta Jazz Festival opening to the Isle of MTV Press Conference, as well as the Jurassic World in Malta event, The Phoenicia Malta welcomed many distinguished guests, both local as well as international.

The Phoenicia Malta’s support of local arts and culture has also long been established, which is why the hotel has been backing the Malta Jazz Festival for several years, with this year’s official opening last July once again taking place at the Rotunda (pictured below), to the entertainment of many visitors and hotel residents alike.

A couple of weeks later, the hotel welcomed a number of international artists as part of the extremely popular Isle of MTV. The yearly event is held at the Granaries, located a mere 200 metres from the hotel, making it an excellent location for both artists, crew and even guests. This year, the hotel was also entrusted with hosting the Press Conference, which saw numerous local and international press attending and enjoying the opportunity to interact with the stars.

Lewis Capaldi and his team also chose to stay at The Phoenicia Malta earlier in July, for his concert which was also held at the Granaries. Despite the short stay, Lewis has thoroughly complimented both the island as well as the hotel.

Most recently, the hotel hosted Universal Pictures during their Jurassic World Media trip to Malta. As part of the event, the group visited film locations and recreated some of the stunts which could be observed in the movie. The group also had their share of fun at The Phoenicia Malta, with an easy-going welcome event at the Rotunda (pictured above) and a fun-filled closing party at the Bastion Pool. The latter comprised of an exclusive Chameleon75 event with live entertainment, dancers and even fireworks. With all the smiles and dance moves which could be observed, it is safe to say that guests had a memorable night!

At The Phoenicia Malta we take pride in everything we do. It is a privilege to host such events and their guests, and it is our mission to ensure maximum success and utmost satisfaction.

Activities to enjoy in Malta during Autumn and Winter