This Weekend In Malta Is Full Of Events Perfect For Art And Music Lovers
This weekend kicks off with the Our Lady of Sorrows Day, more popularly referred to as id-Duluri in Malta. However, if you’re more into music, dancing, and celebrations, there’s actually more than enough events to keep you busy. With a large number of local bands taking to various stages around the island and some of the best DJs doing what they do best in the meantime, here are 10 events to get you in the mood for this weekend.
Friday 23rd March
A father and son discuss the book and art that connected them and two different generations
Back in 1983, Alfred Buttigieg had published Dik Il-Qtajra, a controversial book which was regarded as being so obscene and sexually explicit, that it was banned.
Alfred’s son Gabriel, now 25, has not shied away from using his father’s subversive work as inspiration for his own art of painting. He had even released a series of drawings directly inspired by his father’s controversial book.
Today, the father and son will be discussing, quite literally, where Art Meets Text in Dik il-Qtajra during a short interview on campus as part of the Book Festival currently being organised by the National Book Council and the Għaqda tal-Malti.
A local female band double-bill on campus
Concluding this weeks’ Book Festival festivities at University will be two all-female bands that have been recently making the rounds in the local alternative scene and beyond.
Four-piece Cryptic Street and power duo Fuzzhoneys will be closing the festival off with acoustic versions of their garage and post-punk tunes.
The return of local noisy heavyweights
The Areola Treat have long held the status of one of the alternative scene’s most popular cult bands, but there’s been a bit of a lack of appearances in recent times.
Fans will be happy to know they’re back though. At least as far as tonight goes. Catch them at The Garage before they go on hiatus again.
Saturday 24th March
A two-day festival with over half a dozen artists
Valletta’s Maori will be hosting a two-day music festival in aid of YMCA this Saturday and Sunday, and it’s set to be a musical extravaganza.
It kicks off at 3pm on both days, featuring everything from psych-rockers Pyramid Suns to more hardcore outfits like Double Standard. And of course, there’s also a lineup of DJs dropping some alternative tunes.
The official start of a new season at an iconic venue in the south
Anyone who’s ever been to Zion Reggae Bar in Marsascala knows how important this shack-turned-reggae-bar-turned-music-venue is during Malta’s summers.
Closed for the winter season, Zion reopens its doors to its eager patrons and an ever-increasing new crowd. And it’s all set to go down this weekend!
The end of an era for one of Malta’s first super clubs
Bad news: Tattingers is officially closing down.
Good news: there’s going to be a massive closing down party to see it off in style.
Featuring the legendary Ruby & Friends, promoters of massive underground parties spanning from 1999 to 2013, the night will definitely be sold out. Nearly all tickets are already taken, with some left here and at ticket outlets from all around the island.
Malta’s monthly gay bash is back with a fairytale bang
Lollipop has now become synonymous with one of the most fun monthly parties on the island, and this Saturday marks the event’s return at the large halls of Tigullio.
Bring your dancing shoes… and your fairytale-inspired costumes.
Sunday 25th March
A release party for a local musician’s album launch
Maltese singer-songwriter Alexandra Alden has had a good month thanks to her crowdfunding campaign reaching its goal.
Getting international backing from a Dutch music studio, Alden will finally be launching her debut full-length album Wild Honey this Saturday at Valletta’s Offbeat.
Since the venue’ setting and size is as intimate as Alden’s music, she’ll be holding a second release party on Sunday. Don’t sit on tickets for this, they will sell out!
A DJ music festival featuring some of the island’s biggest names
If you thought Sundays for relaxing, you’re wrong.
Unity in Music Diversity is bringing together six different DJs at Paceville’s Sky Club, supported by the Valletta 2018 Foundation and taking things to a whole new level with a veritable mix of music styles and vibes.
The night will feature some of the island’s biggest names in DJs, such as world-touring giant Tenishia, not to mention special guest Marco Grosso all the way from Italy.
Toning things down with a nostalgia-infused dance performance
The Dance Workshop‘s 19th annual dance performance will be walking guests through some classic memories of childhood games, as interpreted through a more contemporary outlook.
Rumour has it that there’s going to be a celebrity guest in the dancing troupe’s ranks, so you should probably not miss out. Get your tickets here while they’re still available.
Tag someone you’re going to be spending the weekend with!
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