Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541835
Nature Notebook Erbgħin Sena Għall-Ambjent: 4 Decades of Championing Environmental Action As 2025 comes to an end, Friends of the Earth Malta marks the close of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The milestone commemorates the organ- isation's first documented protest on 23 November 1985, a moment that launched FoEM into national environmental action. This year's anniversary event brought together veteran members, sup- porters, and volunteers to reflect on four decades of achievements, hon- ouring the early activists whose work laid the foundation for FoEM's mis- sion. Throughout 2025, FoEM continued strengthening its campaigns in Climate, Energy & Mobility, Food, Agriculture & Biodiversity, Zero Waste, and Il-Forn ta' Kemmuna. Initiatives ranged from renewable en- ergy advocacy and waste audits on Comino to farmer support, and cli- mate-friendly food projects. As FoEM enters its fifth decade, it remains committed to grassroots ac- tivism and a just, sustainable future. The organisation extends heartfelt thanks to all members, supporters, and volunteers who have shaped its journey. Green idea of the week 816 Find out more about this milestone here: https://foemalta.org/blog/erbgh- in-sena-ghall-ambjent-4-decades-of-championing-environmental-action/ Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Shostakovich 50th Anniversary Concert Date: 11 December Location: The Grand Ballroom, Radisson Blu Resort, St. Julian's, Malta Commemorating the 50th anniversary of his death, the MPO led by Sergey Smbatyan pays tribute to Dmitri Shostakovich with a concert reflecting his brilliance. Wen-Sinn Yang joins as soloist in Cello Concerto No. 1, showcasing power and virtuosity. Symphony No. 6 opens with an elegiac movement, followed by two brisk ones, offering rhythmic drive and hints of irony characteristic of his unique voice. Carols by Candlelight - special edition Date: 12-13 December Location: St Augustine's Square, Victoria, Gozo Schola Cantorum Jubilate presents a special edition of Carols by Candlelight to mark the culmination of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Over the years, this much-loved Christmas event has become synonymous with the choir. The evening features a Christmas concert at St Augustine's Church, followed by a dinner in the historical cloister of the friary. Nutcracker & Other Dances Date: 13 December Location: Malta Society of Arts, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Celebrate the magic of the holidays with a joyful evening of dance-inspired piano music, as Jovana Vakic and Jeremy Coleman join hands (almost literally) to present a special piano duet recital at the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta, on the evening of Saturday 13th December 2025. Tinsel & Tales: A Festive Comedy Showcase Date: 13 December Location: The Royal British Legion, Valletta, Malta Get ready for a festive evening of laughter, music, and cheeky holiday fun with Tinsel & Tales by The Red Curtain — a Christmas comedy showcase of original sketches by David Hirst Samuels, featuring new local talent, singalong tunes, and a sprinkle of mischief. Stay after for a lively Christmas Disco! Carols in Concert Date: 13, 14 December Location: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta,Malta Accompanied by a full live orchestra and set against a magical stage, the concert promises an enchanting evening filled with warmth and wonder. With special guest appearances and a heart-warming programme of music, audiences will enjoy a blend of nostalgic carols and modern festive favourites — a perfect celebration of the season designed to uplift and inspire. MPO Chamber Concert Date: 14 December Location: Robert Samut Hall, Triq Sarria, Floriana, Malta Jane Austen's musical inspiration is celebrated with an intimate programme of elegance and charm. Beethoven's Trio for Piano, Bassoon and Flute sparkles with youthful vitality, while Boehm's arrangements of Schubert's Drei Lieder for flute and piano capture lyrical beauty and heartfelt tenderness. These works are an enchanting homage reflecting the grace and emotional depth of Austen's era. UBI CARITAS Christmas Concert - A tribute to Mgr Victor Grech Date: 14 December Location: Ibrag Church, Ibrag, Malta UBI CARITAS Christmas Concert - a tribute to Mgr Victor Grech. Singers Nadine Axisa and Alwyn Borg Myatt have once again, and more than ever, been inspired by Mgr Grech and chose to honour his legacy by performing holy classical masterpieces and the season's music ZfinMalta's Winter Dance Date: 19, 20, 21 December Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta This winter, ZfinMalta proudly welcomes Of Curious Nature for a double-bill uniting two of Europe's most innovative contemporary dance companies. Two international dance companies. Eighteen exceptional dancers. One unforgettable winter evening. Shine this Christmas at Playmobil FunPark Date: 23 December Location: Playmobil FunPark Malta, Birzebbuga, Malta An afternoon with Santa & Elves! Enjoy games, a festive parade, raffles, and a special meal with Santa. Kids are invited to wear Christmas costumes and bring festive accessories to add extra cheer. 99. FORESTA 2000 WAY back in the late 1990s BirdLife Malta proposed the reforesting of a stretch of land as our gift to the upcoming new millennium. The aim was to restore some natural woodland that Malta has all but lost. Studies were made, experts consulted and vegetation plans drawn up. We tried to calculate the expense but gave up and went for it anyway! With help from project partners Din l-Art Ħelwa and PARK, the Foresta 2000 project took off. Despite several vandal at- tacks who smashed or burned thousands of saplings, most of the 20,000 trees and shrubs planted are growing, flowering and fruit- ing. They provide food and shelter to a thriving fauna, including birds, insects and reptiles. Twenty-five years later, the site that was previously degraded and overrun by illegal squatters, hunters and offroaders is growing into a proper little woodland – a successful habitat restoration project to be proud of! Go take a walk there to- day and get the feel of a new forest. It's free and open 24/7. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 DECEMBER 2025 ALMANAC Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon (photo)