Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino, a Mediterranean archipelago, offer visitors an off-season summer experience in the fall months with a diverse range of festivals and events. This hidden gem is perfect for travelers looking for off the beaten path destinations that offer breathtaking landscapes, a year-round warm climate and appeal to a diverse group of travelers. With more than 8,000 years of history, Michelin-starred gastronomy, local wine and year-round festivals, there is something for every visitor, even during the fall months.
Notte Bianca - October 7, 2023
Organized by Festivals Malta, Notte Bianca is one of Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festivals. For one special night, every first Saturday of October, the Valletta cityscape lights up with a spectacular celebration of the arts that is open to the public free of charge. Valletta’s streets, piazzas, churches, state palaces and museums are transformed into venues for a myriad of live performances and concerts, while many cafés and restaurants extend their opening hours. The entire city of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St Elmo, comes alive for Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.
An image from Notte Bianca 2016 (Photo courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority)
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2023 - Beginning October 21, 2023, in Valletta’s Grand Harbour
Malta, the crossroads of the Mediterranean, will host the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race, an iconic race, featuring some of the world’s premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. The race begins in Valletta’s Grand Harbour beneath the historic Fort St. Angelo. Participants will embark on the 606 nautical mile classic, traveling to the eastern coast of Sicily, up towards the Strait of Messina, before heading north to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head south towards the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to Malta.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race (Photo courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority)
The Three Palaces Festival Early Opera & Music Festival - November 1–5, 2023
Organized by Festivals Malta, the Three Palaces Festival Early Opera & Music Festival, sees emerging artists perform alongside the finest established artists in Malta and internationally.
An aerial shot of Valletta (Photo courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority)
FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN GOZO
Though separated from mainland Malta by a mere five km (approximately three miles) stretch of sea (25 minutes by ferry) Gozo is distinctly different. The Island is a third the size of Malta, more rural and much more tranquil. Gozo is known for its picturesque scenery, pristine coastline and untouched country trails. Baroque churches rise from the heart of small villages, and traditional farmhouses dot the rural landscape. Its culture and way of life are rooted in tradition and yet open to the present.
Picturesque scenery in Gozo (Photo courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority)
Festival Mediterranea - October 14, 2023 – November 18, 2023
The 20th edition of Festival Mediterranea will be celebrated in Gozo, one of Malta’s sister islands, from October 14, 2023, through November 18, 2023. This mid-autumn festival has an island-wide aspect, with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor events. Opera and other music concerts dominate the celebrations, but there are also international conferences, walks and talks in ancient and historic places, field trips, food and drink events and art exhibitions. Festival Mediterranea offers visitors a great opportunity to learn about Gozo’s temples and archaeological sites through a series of lectures and visits.
Opera is Gozo (Photo courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority)
Opera is Gozo - October 1–31, 2023
October is Opera month with “Opera is Gozo,” a festival celebrating this joyous and rousing art form in various locations around Gozo. Soulful arias fill our theaters and skies as international soloist’s, orchestra musicians, choristers and locals unite to perform, participate and take pleasure in all things opera. The festival includes two fully staged operas performed at The Astra theater and Aurora Theatre in Victoria as well as recitals, opera appreciation workshops and activities for seasoned opera-goers right through to opera newbies.
For more information on Festivals Malta visit: www.festivals.mt.
For more information on events in Gozo: https://eventsingozo.com/
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