Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530881
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 DECEMBER 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 950. Decollate Snail THE recent rains have lured out the snails, among which is the distinctive decollate snail, and you needn't be a mollusc expert to recognise this guy. Apart from the rather unusual black body, this snail's shell is cylindrical with the top part apparently missing, as though the animal had a nasty accident. But it's no accident, because they're all like that in this species. It starts out life with the shell en- tire but early on the end bit gets knocked off (hence 'decollate') – and nobody knows why! Although it eats some vegetation, the decollate snail (M. trajbu) will consume other snails, slugs and their eggs. So if you want snail control in your garden you should encourage these guys to patrol your lettuce patch! Incidentally, it's called trajbu be- cause its shell looks a bit like the tapering 'pillow' on which Maltese bizzilla is traditionally created. All the best. Have Your Say: Shaping the Future of Comino with PRO-COAST Have you visited the island of Comino recently? Tell Friends of the Earth Malta more about your experience! Friends of the Earth Malta is conducting a survey on behalf of PRO- COAST, a Horizon Europe Scientific Research Project. Your feedback is vital to this project and this initiative aims to protect Comino and ensure the voices of all stakeholders are heard. Victor Falzon Green idea of the week 185 Read more about PRO-COAST and participate through the following link: Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member 1. Winter Wonderland Spectacular by the Malta Police Band Date: 24 December Location: Pjazza Teatru Rjal Experience the magic of Christmas at the Winter Wonderland Spectacular by the Malta Police Band. Enjoy classic festive tunes and captivating performances by local vocalists and the Malta Police Pipe Band. Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta, this cherished event spreads holiday joy while supporting the Malta Community Chest Fund through its proceeds. 2. Get Funky - Xmas Day Affair Date: 25 December Location: Toy Room, St Julian's After Christmas lunch it's all about 'The Xmas Day Affair' and this year we are delighted to announce that the GET FUNKY powerhouse crew will take the helm with an an extravaganza Toy Room take over. This event is 18+. 3. North Pole Party Meet Up Date: 26 December Location: Playmobil FunpPark There's snow place like the Playmobil FunPark to spend quality time this Christmas Season! Santa is taking a break from his busy schedule to join us for dinner on 26th December from 5pm to 9pm. 4. Glenn Miller Orchestra Date: 28 December Location: MCC, Valletta If you love the music of GLENN MILLER, swinging Christmas classics, and a great show – then this is definitely the concert for you! The ensemble will perform a fantastic selection of songs from Glenn Miller's incredible repertoire, along with a few special arrangements of Christmas classics. 5. Topia Date: Ongoing until January Location: MUZA, Valletta Heritage Malta is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition 'TOPIA', an installation by London-based artist Barnaby Barford, opening at MUZA on the 22nd of October until the 19th of January 2025. 6. The Eye & the Symbol Date: Until 31 December Location: Victor Pasmore Gallery, Valleta An array of never-seen-before artworks and familiar ones by Victor Pasmore will be showcased during this exhibition, taking viewers on a journey that examines Pasmore's relationship with the Maltese islands through the various characteristics, mediums and materials he utilised during the final three decades of his life. 7. Nokkla Safra u t-Tliet Orsijiet Date: Various dates until 5 January Location: Junior College Theatre, Msida A must-see show for the whole family! What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than attending this year's pantomime 'Nokkla Safra u t-Tliet Orsijiet'. The talented singer and actor Christian Arding will be playing the part of the lady for the first time ever, together with other established actors. 8. Chucky's Christmas Cracker Date: Until 29 December Location: Spazju Kreattiv Theatre, Valletta Written and Directed by Vikesh Godhwani (Panto in the Dark Series, Jamie Cardona's Mid-Djarju ta' Student fi Skola Tal-Knisja) this one-person panto features Malta's iconic drag queen and Voice of Love Island Malta, Chucky, performing every character in a side-splitting rendition of Beauty and the Beast. Expect a riotous blend of pop songs, sharp political satire, uproarious audience interaction and surprise special guests at every performance! 9. Football Chairty Match Date: 29 December Location: Luxol, Pembroke Join us on December 29th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Luxol Ground for an action-packed charity football match in aid of DAR Bjorn, supporting those affected by ALS. Topia exibition (photo by Sylvain Deleu)