Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537589
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 18 JULY 2025 NEWS Enhanced safety measures introduced at Blue Lagoon NEW safety lines have been in- stalled at Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino, one of Mal- ta's most iconic and visited swimming spots. The project, led by the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps (ERRC), was completed in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta, and the Minis- try for Gozo Planning. The installation, finished last week, aims to improve swimmer safety during the busy summer months. The ERRC Rope Rescue Team spent the last two weeks manufacturing the lines by hand, ensuring they meet high stand- ards of strength and reliability. Comino, known for its crys- tal-clear waters and peaceful sur- roundings, is a magnet for both locals and tourists. Blue Lagoon in particular sees thousands of visitors daily during peak season. With no cars and only a handful of residents, Comino is prized for its untouched beauty, but the heavy influx of boats and swim- mers makes safety a growing concern. These new safety lines mark a major step in protecting bathers while preserving the experience that draws so many to Comino. Authorities say the effort reflects a strong commitment to public safety and responsible tourism. A landmark retrospective of re- nowned Maltese artist Carmelo Mangion (1905–1997) opened on Sunday 6th July at Il-Ħaġar Museum in Victoria, Gozo. Ti- tled Carmelo Mangion: Mystery & Modernity, the exhibition is curated by art historian Dr Nik- ki Petroni and is one of the most comprehensive showcases of Mangion's work to date. Spanning several decades of his career, the exhibition of- fers a rare opportunity to ex- perience the breadth and depth of Mangion's artistic output, which ranges from finely craft- ed etchings to expressive land- scapes, portraits, and religious paintings. Born in Naxxar, Mangion remains a significant yet often understated figure in the development of modern art in Malta. He was not only a prolific artist but also an in- fluential teacher. Through his classes at the School of Art in Valletta, he was instrumental in establishing the practice of etching in Malta in the 20th century, leaving a lasting im- print on generations of Maltese artists. While his etchings re- flect a refined technical mas- tery, Mangion's paintings re- veal a deep sensitivity to both natural and urban environ- ments. His portraits and reli- gious works further showcase his command of form and emo- tion, marking him as a versatile and contemplative artist. Carmelo Mangion: Mystery & Modernity is open to the public at Il-Ħaġar Museum until 8th September 2025. A limited number of full-colour exhibition catalogues, featur- ing contributions by Dr Nikki Petroni, Konrad Buhagiar and Lino Borg, are available at the front desk. This exhibition is presented as part of the 28th edition of the Victoria Inter- national Arts Festival and is supported by the Gozo Action Group Foundation through the LEADER programme. In the meantime, Il-Ħaġar Museum has also announced that it has extended its opening hours between Monday 14th and Sunday 20th July 2025. During this entire week, the museum will be open between 09:00 and 23:00. Admission remains free. Apart from the exceptional Carmelo Mangion retrospective, visitors will also have the opportunity to view the museum's permanent dis- play, which includes paintings by some of the greatest 17th- and 18th-century Maltese art- ists; a collection of terracotta oil lamps and pottery from the period of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel which dates back 2,800 years; a coin display dating 110 BC; the unique Pa- pal paraphernalia which in- cludes the zucchetto worn by Pope Benedict XVI on the day of his Abdication, his chasuble and mitre, and the Cardinal's cassock and mitre worn by Pope Francis during the Con- clave that elected him Pope and Bishop of Rome in 2013. Temporary attractions include treasures from Victoria's Con- ventual Church of St Francis, and a selection of modern art philately. Carmelo Mangion exhibition opens at Il-Hagar museum