Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545155
Nature Notebook MALTA offers beautiful seas, rich biodiversity, and countless ways to experience marine life responsibly without supporting captivity. While attractions like dolphin parks are often promoted as family en- tertainment, captivity can cause stress, illness, and unnatural living conditions for dolphins. Instead of visiting facilities such as Mediter- raneo Marine Park, visitors can enjoy Malta's marine environment through snorkelling, guided eco-tours, and wildlife observation in the animals' natural habitat. Locations like Għar Lapsi, Fomm ir- Riħ, and Qawra Point offer opportunities to encounter marine life respectfully. By choosing ethical tourism and following "look, don't touch" principles, visitors can help protect Malta's fragile ecosystems and wildlife. Green idea of the week 1023 Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member The Essence of Gozo Date: Until 31 May Location: Arthall, Triq G.P.F Aguis De Soldanis, Victoria, Gozo This exhibition is a reflection on the spiritual and elemental nature of Gozo, exploring the dialogue between its rugged coastline, rural village life, and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Through sculptural ceramics and acrylic paintings. MICAS presents Reggie Burrows Hodges: Mela Date: Until 30 August Location: MICAS — Malta International Contemporary Arts Space, Triq Joseph J. Mangion, Floriana, Malta Mela, this landmark exhibition features over 30 new works inspired by the American artist's relocation to Malta, inspired by the island's culture and coastal landscapes. VANIA GOSHE | BOTANICA ANIMA- The Soul of Flowers Date: 5 June Location: Christine X Art Gallery, Tigne Street c/w, Hughes Hallet, Sliema, Malta A contemplative solo exhibition by Vania Goshe exploring the inner life of flowers as symbolic vessels of memory, emotion, and spiritual presence. Rooted in floriography, yet reimagined through a deeply personal and contemporary lens, Goshe's work transforms botanical forms into quiet narrators of the human condition. Music from Iconic Movies Date: 6 June Location: Teatru Salesjan, 45, Guze Howard street Sliema, Malta A contemplative solo exhibition by Vania Goshe exploring the inner life of flowers as symbolic vessels of memory, emotion, and spiritual presence. Rooted in floriography, yet reimagined through a deeply personal and contemporary lens, Goshe's work transforms botanical forms into quiet narrators of the human condition. World Environment Day Date: 6 June Location: Ghar Dalam, Ghar Dalam Cave, Triq Ghar Dalam, Birzebbuga, Malta A diverse range of environmental NGOs and entities will gather for the first time in the endemic gardens of Għar Dalam. Against the backdrop of this prehistoric cave, museum and Natura 2000 site, celebrate World Environment Day and discover the work being done to protect our environment, flora and fauna. Piano Recital by Bernice Sammut Attard Date: 6 June Location: Knisja Parrokkjali ta' ħesù Nazaret, Sliema, Malta Piano Recital by Bernice Sammut Attard Paris‑based pianist Bernice Sammut Attard performs works by Wagner/ Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, Prokofiev, and Beethoven in a solo recital. Sette Giugno Date: 7 June Location: Valletta, Malta Sette Giugno (7th June) commemorates the 1919 uprising in Malta. The Maltese were protesting for independence and better living conditions after the hardships of World War I, including rising bread prices and unemployment. The Valletta Waterfront Wine Fest Date: 9‑12 June Location: Valletta Waterfront, Floriana, Malta Raise a glass under the stars at the Valletta Waterfront Wine Fest: a four‑ night celebration of wine, entertainment and timeless charm set against the Baroque architecture and iconic coloured doors of the historic Valletta Waterfront. European Archaeology Days- 2026 Date: 12‑13 June Location: Across Malta European Archaeology Days‑ 2026 European Archaeology Days are once again being organised, with events for happening across Malta. Entities and associations across Malta will be lifting the curtain and highlighting the fascinating study of archaeology, and the interdisciplinary work that goes into the care and preservation of such material culture. Tails in Wonderland Date: 14 June Location: Pjazza Vittorja, Naxxar, Malta Step into a world of wonder at MSPCA's Tails in Wonderland Summer Fair at Palazzo Parisio. Enjoy live entertainment, artisan stalls, family activities, raffles, and our special charity shop fashion show, all while supporting the care, rehabilitation, and rehoming of vulnerable animals and our step forward towards sustainability for our planet. 1023. Sand oyster thistle SAND oyster thistle, spanish oyster plant, yellow thistle, common golden thistle… For a rare species, this plant is certainly not lack- ing in synonyms. To be precise, it's rare here in Malta, I suppose it's common elsewhere around the Med. It's a plant that thrives on sandy soil and even in coastal sand dunes outright – this is in fact where we see it most here, and since our sand dunes are an extreme- ly rare habitat, hence the rarity of the plant. It is very much a thistle and therefore prone to knee-jerk negative attitudes from people who generally view such plants as weeds, but I'd wager anyone who sees this plant right now to not marvel at its current blooming beauty. In May this bright green plant explodes in a profusion of orange-gold- en, even slightly glossy flowers, to the delight of nectar-hungry in- sects (and naturalists). That basic salty coastal sand can produce such beauty never fails to mystify me. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 MAY 2026 ALMANAC Victor Falzon For more information please visit: https://foemalta.org/