Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1523891
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 12 JULY 2024 CULTURE A Summer of celebrations SUMMER in Gozo is anything but boring. If you are spending time on the island this summer, check out the dazzling array of events lined up over the season. Even if you're dedicating your whole day to leisure and spending your days by the pool, it's good to know that Gozo's sum- mer are primarily about entertainment under the starry sky. All week-long extravaganza of gozo events Head to Marsalforn on Mondays for 'Marsalforn Mondays' for a musical vibe that will appeal to different tastes. On Tuesdays, Victoria welcomes with talent- ed artists who will be performing in St. George's Square or Independence Square. The villages of Qala and Xagħra will be the place to be (on alternate weeks) on Wednesdays, where a mix of local per- formers will bring the square alive with their music. Mġarr Fridays will is about the pictur- esque harbour scene and music will mark the evening. For another typical village experience, take note of Summer in the Square, which takes place in Xewkija un- der the gaze of the Rotunda. Alternative- ly, head to Nadur (every other Saturday), where a captivating atmosphere will surely entertain. The weekend is also associated with the I LOVE Xlendi events. Do not miss out on the fjakkolata on Sunday evening, when traditional fire torches are lit around the bay. All the above events will be held from Ju- ly to mid-September, ensuring that Gozo provides a full calendar of events for locals and visitors alike. More entertainment for the whole family will be organised in Għa- jnsielem (Saturdays & Sundays) and St Lawrence (Saturdays) during the summer months. Village feast furore Gozo's quintessential summer core re- volves around the village feast honouring the patron saints. Every week, a different village holds its annual feast, a celebration that takes on many forms and aspects. The essence of these celebrations is the re- ligious aspects that honour the saint's life, escalating with the triduum and culminat- ing in the solemn pontifical mass and pro- cession with the statue on Sunday. However, the village feast is also about street parties, the village's tradition- al street dinner and a spectacle of street decor, band marches, concerts, and fire- works displays. Some feasts, such as the Inforiata held in Għarb, even have extra flair. Firework enthusiasts will recognise Gozo's prowess in the prepared fireworks displays, some even synchronised to mu- sic. Summer serenade One of the delights of Gozitan summer is a bonanza of music concerts right under the stars that celebrates different music genres. Of notable mention for July are the Charles Buttigieg Concert in July, a wind band concert in Kerċem, The An- nual Symphonic Concert in St. Margaret's Square in Sannat, the Qbjjar Music Festi- val, the Opera vs Pop Under the Starts at Ġgantija Temples in Xaghra and the Qala- Band Concert. The Victoria International Arts Festival returns throughout July with no less than a variety of 13 concerts and recitals at var- ious locations in Victoria. During August, the DCapitals Band will celebrate a decade of music with an open-air concert in the Cittadella Ditch. Other important musi- cal appointments include the spectacular Symphony of Colours, confetti and fire- works display in Qala; Maltese folk nights in San Lawrenz and Xewkija; Leġġendarju, a musical concert in Xagħra; Leone Band Concert at the start of the Santa Marija festa week; other band concerts in Żebbuġ, Għajnsielem; Notte Magica at the Kemp- inski Hotel and the Rock Legends concert that is held yearly in Mġarr. September will bring the band concert in Xagħra, the Gozo Theatre Festival and The Levant Tribali event that fuses Mediterranean and African energy. Another delightful evening for this sea- son is the traditional dinner in St. Augus- tine's Square in Victoria, which delightfully blends with the melodies of Malta's cele- brated violinist George Curmi,' Il-Puse'. Other festivals and events Beyond all the above, Gozo promises more activities for young and old alike. Xewkija will hold the Gozo Food Food Festival in July and a fun day of activities aimed at children at the windmill in Xewk- ija. An exhibition of motor vehicles will be held in Qala. Other July activities include an outdoor cinema screening of the musical film Beauty and the Beast, a traditional din- ner complete with Kummitiva dance in Xagħra, and the 1551 Siege Commemo- ration in Victoria. August is overflowing with events. Exhibitions, the Gozo Ceramics Fes- tival, the Delicata Wine Festival, the Qbajjar Beer Festival, the Gozo Tradi- tional Agricultural & Industrial Exhibi- tion and the Gozo Film Festival, are only some of the activities that are being or- ganised, and there is no doubt that more events will keep on sprouting through- out the season. Events will be going strong during September until summer winds down. The Wine, Olive Oil, and Honey Festival associated with Għasri will be held on 14th September, and Fontana will have a wine festival. Summer celebrations in Gozo invite us to live in the moment and appreciate life! Summer in Gozo is a tapestry of exciting and colourful events that provide an op- portunity to embrace the essence of joie de vivre and make lasting memories. Make sure you bookmark www.eventsin- gozo.com for a full list of Gozo Events. Xaghra Wednesdays Marsalforn by night