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Carnival is one of the oldest cultural events celebrated in Malta. Local aficionados spent a whole year in secrecy preparing for the four days of events to participate and compete in the Carnival parade. Beautiful and colourful floats which depict all sorts of people, animals and mythical creatures, throng the streets of Valletta with dancers in elaborate costumes partying aboard. Carnival float building in Malta is an art inherited through family generations and enthusiasts take great pride in their work. Carnival days in Valletta also host a number of marching bands, costumed children and youths enjoying the merriment along the historic streets, whilst various costumed dance groups perform in Pjazza San Ġorġ with families enjoying the show from purposely set-up stands.

The ceremony takes place on the last Friday of every month in St George’s Square, Valletta The Changing of the Guard ceremony in Valletta is a complex ritual that originated during the 17th century, when the Knights of St John ruled over Malta. The ceremony, which symbolises the formal handing-over of responsibility from one guard to another, attracts crowds of spectators in St George’s Square every month. If you happen to be in Malta on the last Friday of the month, head to Valletta in the morning to witness this centuries-old tradition for yourself. Rosselli – AX Privilege is located just around the corner from St George’s Square in Valletta. You’re just a few minutes away if you book your stay at this luxury hotel in the capital. History of the Changing of the Guard in Valletta Unlike similar ceremonies in the UK and Monaco, the Changing of the Guard in Valletta is rooted in a ritual initiated by the Order of the Knights of St John, who ruled over Malta between 1530 and 1798. The ceremony has always taken place in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace in St George’s Square. In 1971, however, the Changing of the Guard ceremony stopped being performed. It was brought back by popular demand by Valletta locals after a 40 year absence. Following its reintroduction in 2010, the Changing of the Guard ceremony has resumed its monthly occurrence in this prominent square in Valletta. The Armed Forces of Malta Since its return, the Changing of the Guard ceremony has become an increasingly grand and complex spectacle, lasting approximately 45 minutes. The ceremony is performed by soldiers from the Armed Forces of Malta, accompanied by a military band. Kicking off at around 10:00hrs, the ceremony begins with the military band and the new guard marching down Republic Street towards St George’s Square in Valletta. The new guard marches out of the Main Guard building, originally named Guardia della Piazza, which was built by the Knights in 1603. Simultaneously, the old guard marches out of the Grandmaster’s Palace, located in the same square. Then, facing each other, the two guards present arms and perform the exchange of duties.

This nautical spectacle returns to the Grand Harbour in Valletta The Grand Harbour in Valletta has witnessed incredible feats throughout its rich history, owing to the island’s strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Research shows that the Grand Harbour has been used as a main port since the medieval period, with battles taking place at sea between feudal lords seeking reign over Malta. Since then, the Grand Harbour bore witness to the incredible victory of the Great Siege of 1565, a revival of prosperity during the British rule over Malta, and heavy bombardment during the Second World War. The miraculous Santa Maria Convoy also entered through the Grand Harbour on 15 August 1942, delivering food and water to the starving people of Malta and saving the island from surrender. The World’s Most Beautiful Sailing Course – The Rolex Middle Sea Race Nowadays, the Grand Harbour sees a different kind of battle taking place as an international fleet of yachts meets every year for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. This year will mark the 40th edition of the race, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, on 19th October 2019, with the race starting from the Barrakka Gardens. Book your stay at Rosselli – AX Privilege to benefit from up to a 15% discount off your stay. But the history of the Rolex Middle Sea Race dates back to 1968, when two rival members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club designed the racecourse to put their skills to the test. They decided to create a race during the windier autumn season, instead of the smooth-sailing summer months. Instead of planning a route from Malta to Sicily, they extended the course to make Malta both the starting and ending point of the race. The route is described as ‘the most beautiful race course in the world’ – starting from Valletta’s Grand Harbour then sailing past Stromboli, Favignana and Pantelleria on Sicily, before returning to Malta through Lampedusa.

While October is still a rather warm month in Malta, the seasonal change may bring with it some rain showers. Luckily, there are a number of fascinating museums in Valletta that provide shelter from the storm. Moreover, these museums are also housed within historical buildings that were built by the Knights of St John. The National Museum of Archaeology is located within the Auberge de Provence, the National War Museum is found in Fort St Elmo, and the Grandmaster’s Palace State Rooms and Armoury are also open to the public. You can also explore Valletta’s underground at the Lascaris War Rooms, which consist of a subterranean network of tunnels that were used as the British War headquarters during the Second World War.

If you have an ear for classical music and an eye for Baroque art, there’s no better place to be than in Valletta for the International Spring Orchestra Festival 2020. Bringing together musicians, composers and artists from all over the world for a celebration of music in the heart of the Mediterranean, this festival gives visitors the opportunity to experience Valletta like never before! The International Spring Orchestra Festival began in April 2007 by hosting a number of master classes for string instruments, culminating in a grand concert at the magnificent Teatru Manoel. The idea behind the festival was inspired by the rich history of the Maltese islands. Due to its central location in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta was a melting pot of cultures where different nations met and fought for reign over the small island. This history led composer Karl Fiorini to found the festival, which would celebrate both local artistry and international musicians uniting in the name of exceptional music.

Valletta by night is a marvellous experience. The city streets take on a warm, golden tone and the sounds of joyful chatter fills the air. In recent years, the capital has undergone a regeneration and is now one of the most popular destinations for nightlife in Malta. But you won’t find many kids running around – it’s more of a sophisticated crowd that prefers to spend their evening in this historic city.