Distinct Malta

31/12/2023

29/06/2022

Today it is a public holiday in the Maltese islands. The Catholic Church commemorates the martyrdom of two apostles, St Peter and St Paul. Peter was chosen to lead the church after Christ ascended to heaven. Paul converted to the Christian faith following the apparition of Christ, on his way to Damascus. Tradition says that they were executed and buried in Rome. Peter was crucified head downwards as he didn’t feel worthy of being crucified in the same way as Jesus Christ. Paul was beheaded as crucifixion couldn’t be administered to Roman citizens. Paul is also the patron saint of Malta due to his being shipwrecked on its shores in 60 A.D. During his three-month stay in Malta he preached Christianity.

The Feast of St Peter and St Paul is one of the oldest celebrations in the Maltese islands, dating from even before the arrival of the Knights in 1530. The feast is also known by the locals as L-Imnarja. The word derives from the Latin word luminaria, meaning festival of light, a pagan feast which was celebrated by the Romans way back in history. In the past, in occasion of the feast, the Maltese used to illuminate the bastion walls, the square and roof of Mdina (the old capital city) cathedral with torches, candles and bonfires.

Besides being a religious observance, originally the feast was a kind of harvest and folk festival which was held in Buskett Gardens in Rabat. During the Knights’ period, the feast increased in popularity. The main attraction was a race held in the road leading from Saqqajja Hill to Siggiewi. Formerly the race involved men and children with the winner receiving a banner as a prize. Nowadays only horses and donkeys take part. The painting below is the work of Antoine Favray, a French artist who lived in Malta in the 2nd half of 18th century. The painting depicts people from all walks of life celebrating the feast at Buskett woodland.

Nowadays the main festivities include traditional Maltese folk singing (għana), food and wine stalls, animal shows, historical re-enactments and a showcase of traditional artisanship.

The feast of St Peter and St Paul is also celebrated in the town of Nadur in Gozo.

19/05/2022

Traditional Village Tour and Fish Fair
Sunday Morning 29th May 2022
Half-Day Tour

Join us in the heart of the fishing village of Żurrieq, one of the oldest villages in the Maltese islands. In this tour you will experience the traditional Maltese way of life where you will be immersed in the wealth of history, culture, and folklore that this village offers. Strolling along the streets of this village, take us from Punic era to post-war Malta, spanning the various epochs in between. This tour is further enriched with a series of curious facts, interesting accounts, and anecdotes, as well as the mingling with villagers.

Places to be visited around the village.

• Xarolla windmill – the only fully functional windmill in the Maltese islands.
• Paleo-Christian Catacombs – date back to the 3rd and 4th century A.D.
• Chapel of St Andrew – built during the Knights of the Order of Malta.
• Parish Church – visit inside where there are exhibited various works of art including 7 paintings by the Calabrian artist and knight Mattia Preti.
• Main Square – the tradition of band clubs and the WWII memorial.
• Palace Armoury – where according to tradition Napoleon spent a night during the first days of the French occupation of the Maltese islands.

We will take you around a Fish Fair taking place in the main square of the village, where you will delight your taste buds by savouring Maltese traditional seafood dishes. You will also be captivated by the stalls displaying fresh fish, traditional hand-made creations, and traditional sweet delicacies. All this accompanied by musical entertainment, including live performances of traditional Maltese folk music, locally known as Għana.

Do not miss out this one-of-a kind experience where you will be surrounded by the authenticity of the Maltese people, customs, and traditions.

If interested, contact us for further details by sending us a message or an email on [email protected]

01/05/2022

For the month of May, we are offering some exciting adventure outdoors. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day activity, we have the right adventure for you. Choose from the following:

Zipline, rock climbing, kayaking, abseiling, freefall jump, via ferrata, sea level traversing, coasteering, paddle boarding, off road biking, hiking, trekking, diving, snorkelling, parasailing, swimming with tuna and fishing tours.

If you are interested in one of our activities fill in the form on https://distinctmalta.com/adventure-tours/ or else contact us by sending a message. We will organize everything to cater for your specific likes and experience level.

15/04/2022

Today is Good Friday (Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira) which is a day of solemn remembrance and penance.

Various towns and villages hold processions of statues representing scenes from the Passion and Death of Christ, with local bands playing funeral marches. These statues are great works of art crafted by local artisans. Several participants are also dressed in costumes depicting biblical characters. Some processions include a number of penitents dressed in white robes and hoods to hide their identity, bearing a cross or dragging chains tied to their bare feet, as an act of faith or penance or in fulfilment of a vow.

Churches are stripped of their ornamental decorations. No masses occur on this Holy day, however a special service is held in the afternoon which consists of The Word of God, The Holy Communion, and The Adoration of the Cross.

15/04/2022

Today, 15th April, the Maltese islands commemorate the 80th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross which image is displayed on the Maltese flag. The George Cross was awarded to the Maltese people with a message from King George VI which read the following: “To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.”

This civilian honour was awarded to the country and its inhabitants because all the Maltese population and the British Forces defied the odds to hold out to the end, even when it seemed that they were fighting for a hopeless cause.

The obverse consists of a plain silver cross with a circular medallion in the centre depicting St George and the dragon surrounded by the words ‘For Gallantry” and the Royal Cypher “GVI” in the angle of each limb.

The public award ceremony of the George Cross was held on the 13th September 1942 at St George’s square in Valletta

10/04/2022

During the month of April, we offer tours that will take you around towns and villages, where the faithful gather in large numbers to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

Embrace the spirit of Holy Week and Easter by participating in activities that form an integral part of the authentic traditions and customs of the Maltese people. Watch or participate in holy week processions that are held through the streets of many towns and villages in the Maltese islands. Pay homage to the Altars of Repose during the visits to 7 different churches. Visit themed exhibitions skilfully created with mastery by local artisans. On Easter Sunday let us guide you along the streets where a procession with the statue of the Risen Christ takes place accompanied by a band playing festive tunes. You will witness the joy and cheering of the faithful when the statue-bearers take a run while carrying the statue of the Risen Christ triumphantly into the church. And above all, don’t miss out the Maltese traditional delicacies made especially during this time of the year!!

If you have other requirements in mind, contact us and we will organize tours that specifically match your interests and curiosities.

31/03/2022

31 March - Freedom Day - is a National Holiday.

The Maltese Islands commemorate the departure of the last British troops and Royal Navy ships from Malta on 31 March 1979. For the first time in history Malta was no longer a military base of a foreign power. A monument was erected in the city of Birgu, to commemorate this event. It was erected on the same spot where on the 31 of March 1979, the Union Jack was lowered and replaced by the Maltese flag symbolizing the end of the British Rule on these Islands.

The monument consists of four figures representing a British sailor bidding farewell with a last handshake to a Maltese worker, a soldier playing a bugle announcing a new chapter in the history of the Maltese islands and a Maltese worker hoisting the Maltese flag. Both the monument and surrounding layout have a symbolic meaning. The small hill is planted with different types of cactus and hardy plants and rocks, representing the struggle for freedom of the Maltese.

19/03/2022

Today 19th March, Malta and Gozo celebrate the Feast of St Joseph which is also a public holiday.
St Joseph is one of the most important saints of the Catholic faith and is the saint is celebrated on the day not only in Malta but in other countries with a large Roman Catholic influence.
St Joseph was proclaimed patron of the Universal Church by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1870.
During the summer months various parishes in Malta and Gozo celebrate the saint, however the main festivities on March 19 are held along the town of Rabat – a suburb of the old capital city, Mdina.
The feast always falls during Lent, therefore fish is consumed instead of meat on feasting tables. Every year hundreds of locals and tourists flock to Rabat to celebrate the traditional feast of St Joseph.

09/03/2022

For the month of March, we are offering village tours where you can enjoy an authentic Maltese experience. Quite off the beaten track, these tours introduce you to the traditional Maltese way of life where you will be immersed in the wealth of history, culture and folklore that these villages offer. These tours are further enriched with a series of curious facts, interesting accounts and anecdotes, as well as the mingling with villagers.

These tours are finished off by savouring Maltese traditional food and beverages, and are offered both in Malta and in Gozo. Half-day and full-day tours available to suit your requirements.

If you are interested also in other tours take your pick from the list of tours on our website: https://distinctmalta.com/our-tours/

10/02/2022

Today 10th February, the Maltese islands celebrate the Feast of St Paul which is also a public holiday. St Paul is considered as the patron saint of Malta.

St Paul used to persecute Christians until he converted to the Christian faith following the apparition of Christ, when on his way to Damascus. While on his way to Rome to face trial as a political rebel, St Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60A.D due to a violent storm. The survivors were given a warm welcome by the islanders and a fire was lit to warm themselves. Paul was bitten by a viper but he suffered no ill effects. The islanders took this as a sign that he was a special man.

During his stay in Malta, St Paul preached the Gospel and converted the Maltese to Christianity. The Apostle St Luke was with St Paul when the vessel, they were on, was shipwrecked and he recorded the events of this shipwreck in detail in the Acts of the Apostles.

02/02/2022

For the month of February, we are offering Carnival themed tours where you can enjoy Carnival activities around different localities in the Maltese islands. Choose from a wide range of artistic exhibitions and live performances enjoyed by kids and adults alike. If you wish something exclusive do not miss out the opportunity to meet and talk with carnival float artists and organizers that put their whole heart and passion in producing such a colourful spectacle. These tours are also enriched with amusing anecdotes about the Carnival Mad Days during the Knights’ period and other information about how Carnival festivities and traditions developed during the years up to the present days. Traditional Carnival sweet treats will also be served.

Carnival tradition is part of the heritage of the Maltese islands. It is a celebration of unity, entertainment and creativity. If you are interested in being part of this grandiose event known for its colour, vibrant atmosphere and satire, we invite you to join us in one of our tours.

Like we say in Maltese: “Viva Viva l-Karnival!”

If you are interested also in other tours take your pick from the list of tours on our website: https://distinctmalta.com/our-tours/

06/01/2022

For those who wish to experience something different from the norm, in the month of January we are offering tours around 18 different locations where the Valletta Baroque Festival is going to be held. This festival is one of Europe’s most prestigious festivals, known for its vast repertoire featuring 17th and 18th-century music.

The tours include a guided walk exploring the rich history of the venues and locations where the concerts are to be held. A highlight, amongst the venues you will visit, is Manoel theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in the world. Other locations include palaces, cathedrals, churches and museums which all have their share in terms of history and art. You will also have the pleasure of being part of the audience where you will listen to a variety of works performed by both local and foreign musicians.

Send us a message for more details and we will have you experience an enjoyable tour with a combination of music, history, and art.

If you are interested in other tours take your pick from the list of tours on our website: https://distinctmalta.com/our-tours/

13/12/2021

Today is a national holiday. 13 December marks the day when Malta became a Republic in 1974. The Maltese Constitution was amended accordingly; Queen Elizabeth II ceased to be recognized as the island’s monarch and head of state and Sir Anthony Mamo was appointed the first president of Malta.

11/12/2021

During the month of December, we offer Christmas themed tours that will take you around Christmas villages and markets or attending festive activities which form an integral part of the authentic traditions and customs of the Maltese people. Visits to collective crib exhibitions skilfully created with mastery by local artisans. Savour also Maltese traditional delicacies made especially during this time of the year. Embrace the spirit of Christmas by walking around the streets embellished with decorations and lights and passing by Maltese houses fully-decorated for the occasion.

If you have other requirements in mind, contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com and we will organize tours that specifically match your interests and curiosities.

Send us a message for more details or if you are interested in other tours take your pick from the list of tours on our website: https://distinctmalta.com/our-tours/

08/12/2021

At DistinctMalta, we offer a wide range of tours that suit all preferences and requirements, ranging from quality off-the-shelf excursions to custom-made tours that are carefully designed and planned according to your schedule, specific interests, and wishes. We offer tours on a half-day, full-day, and multi-day basis as well as a selection of night tours.

All our tours are created with attention to detail and are suitable for each particular audience, being individuals, couples, families or groups. We also pride in our tour guides being able to communicate at the level of our audience, making child-oriented tours enjoyable and easy to follow, and adult-oriented tours that are appealing, full of information and anecdotes that always keep our clients engaged.

Take your pick from the list of tours on our website: https://distinctmalta.com/our-tours/ and let us know your specific requirements. We will be more than delighted to create an itinerary that suits your interests and requirements to perfection and guide you through a tour that you’ll pleasantly remember for the years to come.

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

21/09/2021

21 September is a national day which celebrates the Independence of Malta that took place in 1964. This agreement materialized after several discussions and negotiations with the UK. Under the new constitution, Queen Elisabeth II remained head of state represented locally by a governor-general. The governor-general exercised executive authority on her behalf, while the actual direction and control of the government and the nation's affairs were in the hands of the cabinet under the leadership of a Maltese prime minister. A decade later Malta became a republic.

The monument below is the Independence Monument, found in Floriana. The monument represent Malta freeing herself from the restraints of the past while holding onto the national flag.

08/09/2021

Today is a national holiday in the Maltese islands.

8 September commemorates two national events. The earliest one dates back to 8 September 1565 and is known as Victory Day, since on this day the Maltese people together with the Knights of St. John emerged victorious following a brutal 4-month siege of the island by the Ottoman Turks.

On the other hand 8 September 1943 highlights another Victory Day, this time to the lifting of the second great siege of Malta when, after 3 years of merciless bombing of the islands by the Italian and German air forces, news reached the island that Italy had officially surrendered. Effectively, this was the end of the war for Malta.

Today the Catholic Church also commemorates the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin which is celebrated in the maltese villages of Senglea, Naxxar and Mellieha and in the village of Xagħra in Gozo. It is locally known as il-Vitorja and il-Bambina. A traditional boat race, locally known as ir-Regatta, takes place in the Grand Harbour on this occasion.

The image below is the monument commemorating the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It is the work of the Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino.

It consists of three bronze figures representing the event they recall – the courage of Malta defended by Faith and Civilization. Courage is represented by the male figure in the centre who is portrayed bare-chested and wearing a three-pointed crown and part of an armour while holding a sword and a shield. Faith is shown holding the papal tiara; Civilization is holding Minerva’s head (classic civilization which gave birth to the Roman Empire).

15/08/2021

Today, the Catholic church celebrates the feast of the Assumption of Mary to heaven. But to the Maltese this day marks the 79th anniversary of the Santa Marija convoy, which saved the island from capitulation in WWII.

During WWII Malta was constantly bombed by the Axis powers. In March 1942 the Axis powers decided to blockade as well so that no supplies would reach Malta and would have to surrender. Several convoys carrying supplies were sent to Malta but never reached the island. They were being attacked as soon as they entered Gibraltar or approached Malta or were exploded by mines in the Mediterranean. The situation became desperate – food, ammunition and fuel were scarce and there was a secret agreement that if nothing reaches Malta, Malta will surrender in September.

Plans by the British were made to send another convoy, codenamed Operation Pedestal – which consisted of 57 vessels. Only 5 of them managed to reach the harbour, the most important of all was the fuel tanker of the convoy, the Ohio, which entered in a sinking condition into the Grand Harbour. The fuel brought was needed to keep on flying the aircrafts and hit back at the Axis. Subsequently more convoys entered the harbour with more supplies, thus saving the island. This convoy was renamed by the Maltese as il-Konvoy ta Santa Marija as it arrived on a religious feast day, 15 August 1942, when the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Assumption of Mary to Heaven. The Maltese saw this as a sign of divine intervention.

26/07/2021

At DistinctMalta, we offer a wide range of tours that suit all preferences and requirements, ranging from quality off-the-shelf excursions to custom-made tours that are carefully designed and planned according to your schedule, specific interests, and wishes. We offer tours on a half-day, full-day, and multi-day basis as well as a selection of night tours.

All our tours are created with attention to detail and are suitable for each particular audience, being individuals, couples, families or groups. We also pride in our tour guides being able to communicate at the level of our audience, making child-oriented tours enjoyable and easy to follow, and adult-oriented tours that are appealing, full of information and anecdotes that always keep our clients engaged.

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

20/07/2021

Adventure Tours

You want to experience some exciting adventure outdoors? Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day activity, we have the right adventure for you. Choose from the following:

Zipline, rock climbing, kayaking, abseiling, freefall jump, via ferrata, sea level traversing, coasteering, paddle boarding, off road biking, hiking, trekking, scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing.

Let us know which activities you are most interested into as well as your experience and we will organize everything to cater for your specific likes and experience level.

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

18/07/2021

Artisan Tours

Get to know the artisans that have mastered a particular skill for the creation of genuine masterpieces. Watch them skilfully manufacture, whilst learning more about the origin of each particular product. We have artisans that are veterans in the following hand-made creations.

Glass blowing, pottery, weaving, lace making, filigree jewellery, traditional tile making, traditional instrument maker, traditional boat builder, cane making, Maltese clock maker, painter, sculptor, conservator-restorer, leather making, stone art making, sheet metal art, crib making and crib figurines, model churches.

These tours are offered both in Malta and in Gozo. They can be combined with other places of interest and attractions or else you can opt for a tour dedicated solely to meeting personally the artisans while watching them working on pieces of fine craftsmanship. Opt for a half-day tour or a full-day tour according to your schedule.

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

09/07/2021

Experience first-hand the art of cooking Maltese traditional dishes.

There is nothing more satisfying than cooking a meal with produce that you have selected and picked yourself. We will take you to family-run fields where local produce is organically grown and ready to be harvested by yourself. Pick up the fruits and vegetables you want whilst having seasoned farmers explaining to you farming methods and tips on how to select the best and adequately ripe product. We will then take you to a fully equipped professional kitchen where seasoned chefs will teach you and assist you in cooking a full traditional meal with the produce you have just harvested. All that remains is for you to enjoy the meal you have cooked in the family-run restaurant.

Choose from any of these Hands-on Cooking classes:

Farm to table cooking class – Create a whole menu from appetizer to dessert with the seasonal home-grown produce that you have harvested.
Rural Cookery– Discover the secrets of the local peasant country cooking while cooking yourself a wholesome meal from appetizer to dessert.
Ravioli making – Learn the art of making fresh hand-made ravioli from scratch and savour them once cooked.
Ftira Pizza making – Learn the art of making a traditional Maltese potato ftira from scratch, baked in a wood burning oven and enjoy eating your own recipe.

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

09/07/2021

Foodie Tours

Let us guide you through these one of a kind experiences where you will be part of the authenticity of a family run operation. Savour genuine produce and be surrounded by nature in the beautiful landscape of the Maltese islands.

These tours are offered both in Malta and Gozo. Opt for a Half-day tour and Full-day tour according to your schedule. You can choose from any or a combination of the experiences listed below:

Vineyard tour including wine tasting
Olive grove tour including olive oil tasting
Beekeeping tour including honey tasting
Fruit picking according to season
Local Food tasting
Goat and sheep cheeselet making process
Salt harvesting
Traditional bakery including tasting session
Pastizzi making process (traditional Maltese snack) including tasting session

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

08/07/2021

No other tour offers an authentic Maltese experience like our traditional village tours. Quite off the beaten track, these tours will introduce you to the traditional Maltese way of life where you will be immersed in the wealth of history, culture and folklore that these villages offer. These tours are further enriched with a series of curious facts, interesting accounts and anecdotes, as well as the mingling with villagers.

These tours are finished off by savouring Maltese traditional food and beverages. Opt for a half-day tour or a full-day tour according to your schedule.

Send us a message for more details or contact us on our website www.distinctmalta.com

07/06/2021

Today is a national holiday. The Maltese islands commemorate the tragic events occurred on 7th June 1919. The monument below, which is found in St George’s Square in Valletta, stands in memory of the Maltese victims who were killed in a series of riots on the day.

Following the end of WWI, the Maltese continued to face economic hardships and there was general discontent of British colonial oppression in the country. In February 1919 a National Assembly was set up for the purpose of drafting a constitution for Malta and on the 7th June the Maltese political leaders were discussing the grant of self-government to Malta in a club in Valletta. A large crowd went to Valletta to show its support to the meeting. At one point riots broke out and started attacking British symbols, offices of the pro-British newspaper and the houses of well-off grain importers and merchants. British troops fired on the crowd, killing 4 and wounding several others.

This event was followed two years later by the granting of the 1921 Constitution which established responsible government. It gave the Maltese more autonomy in managing internal affairs.

This revolt is seen as the first step towards Maltese Independence which took place in 1964.