Malta is preparing to celebrate its annual Malta International Fireworks Festival. In 2017, the festival marks its 16th year and Fireworks Crazy predicts the event is going to feature some stunning displays once more.
What’s the event about?
The festival is a celebration of fireworks and their long history in the Maltese culture. Fireworks have been a crucial part of the country’s traditions since the Order of the Knights of St. John. Fireworks were used to express rejoice and mark special events such as the election of the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John or the birth of a prince in a friendly European state. The Maltese people fired up muskets, lit up St. Catherine’s wheels and other types of fireworks to celebrate these special occasions. Slowly, but surely, fireworks became a craft for the Maltese and the country’s celebrations continue to place fireworks at the heart of its festivals.
In recent years, the fireworks festival is also a time when the country rejoices its membership of the European Union. Malta joined the European Union on 1st May 2004 and the fireworks festival offers people the perfect time for commemorating this historic event.
Malta International Fireworks Festival 2017: The important dates & times
The 2017 edition of the festival will take place between the 22nd and 30th April. It will be organised by the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority, featuring fireworks displays from some of the leading national and international pyrotechnic companies. The companies will compete against each other, creating stunning shows synchronised with music. To get a taster of what’s to come, you can check out a video from last year’s main event:
While fireworks are definitely at the heart of everything that happens during the festival, there are plenty of other things to experience as well. You can explore the country’s tasty food and dance your night away to the sound of the fireworks. Live entertainment will take place across the different venues, with top Maltese musicians and artist performing across the country.
The final program is yet to be revealed, so keep your eye out on the official program website for detailed events. However, if you want to experience the main event, it will take place on the final day in the historic Grand Harbour of the capital city Valletta. If you’re going to the main event, find yourself in Ta’ Liesse or the Barriera Wharf for the best view of the fireworks.
How to celebrate with Malta?
Although Malta is only a three-hour flight away from London, you might not be able to join in on the celebrations this year. Don’t let it get you down – you can cook a delicious meal of Lampuki Pie, a traditional fish pie, and fill your cups with a bitter fizzy drink, Kinnie. To accompany your food and drink, you can get the main excitement, which is the fireworks, from Fireworks Crazy and organise your own display at home!
