Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546262
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 21 AUGUST 2026 CULTURE Xlendi Shipwreck Festival to celebrate Gozo's underwater heritage HERITAGE Malta's Underwa- ter Cultural Heritage Unit, with the support of the Munxar Local Council and the Malta Airport Foundation, is set to celebrate Xlendi's rich maritime history with a two-night shipwreck festi- val this weekend. The Xlendi Shipwreck Festival will take place on the Xlendi wa- terfront on 21 and 22 August, of- fering visitors an interactive look at the archaeological treasures ly- ing beneath the waters of the bay. Running from 6pm to 11pm on both evenings, the event will fea- ture a virtual reality diving expe- rience allowing visitors to explore the Xlendi Underwater Archaeo- logical Park and the Phoenician Shipwreck without having to en- ter the water. Visitors will also be able to view a selection of artefacts recov- ered from the seabed off Xlendi, alongside a 3D-printed model of the Phoenician shipwreck. Heritage Malta said the event aims to bring Gozo's underwa- ter cultural heritage closer to the public through an innovative and accessible experience, while highlighting the stories preserved beneath Xlendi Bay. The festival is free of charge, with no prebooking required. Heritage Malta is also encour- aging the public to follow its WhatsApp channel for updates, including any announcements concerning possible postpone- ments due to unforeseen circum- stances. Xlendi Shipwreck Festival Xlendi waterfront 21 and 22 August 2026 6pm–11pm Free entrance Xlendi Shipwreck (Photo: Heritage Malta) The Xlendi Phoenician shipwreck (Photo: Heritage Malta)