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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 DECEMBER 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 948. Mediterranean meadow saffron I have a soft spot for small flowers: they are so regularly overlooked and (worse) all too often trampled. In these rushed times, people don't bother to stop and stoop for a closer look, even when suppos- edly out for a relaxing walk in the countryside. One of these smaller jewels of our flora is the lovely meadow saffron (M. busieq), an au- tumn-flowering plant you're likely to meet in rocky places. It's not particularly rare, and often grows in good numbers when you find a patch of them. The plant grows very low on the ground, and now that a rainy season of sorts has started, these delicate lilac flowers appear – singly or in small bouquets – straight out of the shallow soil, often before the leaves appear, as though they're too impatient to wait. Community Garden Session Join Friends of the Earth Malta for a Community Gardening Session! Come equipped to learn about sustainable gardening and have hands- on experience in crop growing, pruning, composting, and more! Participants are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks to share with everyone! Saturday, 14 December 2024 | 2 PM - 6 PM @ Friends of the Earth Malta, Floriana. Victor Falzon, Alex Casha (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 183 Learn more and register through the following link: https://foemalta.org/event/20241214_communitygarden-2/ Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member 1. Malta International Christmas Choir Concert Date: 8 December 2024 Location: St. Catherine Archpresbyterial Church, Zejtun A beautiful Christmas concert featuring choirs from various countries, performing traditional carols and festive music. 2. Christmas Village in the Park Date: 9th - 18 December 2024 Location: Ta' Qali National Park, Attard A magical Christmas Village filled with holiday-themed attractions, food stalls, artisan products, and entertainment for families. 3. Valletta Christmas Festival Date: 9th – 31 December Location: Valletta Valletta comes alive with Christmas lights, festive markets, music, and a variety of activities throughout the capital city. 4. The Malta Youth Orchestra in Concert Date: 14 December 2024 Location: Sir Temi Zammit Hall, Msida The Malta Youth Orchestra presents its first concert of the season, celebrating new members joining the ensemble after auditions. Following extensive rehearsals with expert tutors, the musicians are prepared to deliver an impressive performance. Led by Artistic Director Michael Laus, the concert highlights their dedication and passion, promising an inspiring showcase of young talent and teamwork. 5. The Nutcracker Ballet Date: 9th - 12th December 2024 Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta A magical performance of "The Nutcracker," one of the most famous classical ballets, performed by the National Dance Company. 6. One & Only Adele – Live in Concert Date: 14 December Location: Hilton, St Julian's Experience the magic of Adele like never before with her highly-anticipated tribute concert featuring the sensational artist Katie Markham and her incredible live band as the 'ONE & ONLY' ADELE, Personally handpicked by the iconic Adele herself on the prestigious 'Adele at the BBC' Live in London Show. 7. Santa's Grotto Date: 6 December to 5 January Location: Fairyland, Santa's City, Valletta Pjazza Tritoni in Valletta will be transformed into Santa's City this Christmas from the 6th of December to 5th of January 2025 and this year, we've got lots of very exciting surprises lined up for you! 8. Christmas Lights in St. Julian's Date: 9th December 2024 onwards Location: St. Julian's, Spinola Bay The streets of St. Julian's are decorated with beautiful Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere by the bay. 9. Christmas Market at The Point Date: 9th - 29 December 2024 Location: The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné, Sliema A Christmas market offering a range of Christmas-themed items, gifts, and food, plus various entertainment activities for kids and families. 10. Christmas Candlelight Concert Date: 17th December 2024 Location: St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Malta. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Classics at St. John's Co-Cathedral under the gentle glow of candlelight. 11. Christmas Candlelight Concert Date: 17th December 2024 Location: St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Malta. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Classics at St. John's Co-Cathedral under the gentle glow of candlelight. Malta International Christmas Choir