JAN/FEB/MAR 2013

DANCING FOR SURVIVAL Safeguarding a legacy

PAGE 33

Character / Spirit / Foundations / Inspiration / Calendar / Through the Keyhole

JAN/FEB/MAR 2013 ISSUE 9

100 Years of Marching Nadur’s landmark event

When Art Colours

Life We meet ChevalierPaul Camilleri Cauchi

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As the saying goes, ‘a new broom sweeps clean' and at Let’s Gozo we’re looking forward to making a clean sweep into 2013 – so welcome to our first issue of the year. From exciting events and in-teresting people, to the best ways to slot some relaxation into your life, you’ll read all about it in the pages of our January edition.

This month we meet a real character – Chevalier Paul Camilleri Cauchi – who lives in Victoria but has left his mark on countless churches (and more) across the islands. This talented artist tells his story to Jo Caruana on page 6.

Pia Zammit spent time with Consiglia Azzopardi, a lace special-ist who is doing everything she can to promote and protect Gozo’s lace heritage. Her article is on page 16.

Meanwhile, I met up with members of the Gozo Photographic Association to learn about life through the lens, and also caught up with members of il-Kummitiva, a delightful Carnival tradition that’s being kept alive by the Xaghra community.

And for those of you looking for a relaxing start to the year, Jo also took a trip to the new hammam within the Kempinski resort and made a definite resolution to slot in some ‘me-time’. Find out why on page 38.

So let’s embrace the excitement of the new year and make 2013 a brilliant one.

Let's Gozo!

ISSUE 9

ON THE COVERChevalier Paul Camilleri Cauchi explains why art has coloured every aspect of his life.Photo by George Saguna

new lease of life!

Let’s Gozo is published by the Gozo Tourism Association every two months on Sunday with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with the Sunday Times of Malta. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omission. Neither the editor nor publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. This publication is supported by the Ministry for Gozo.

EditorCoryse Borg

Editorial ConsultantJo Caruana

PublisherGozo Tourism Association

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AdvertisingGozo Tourism [email protected]

Art DirectorJohn Falzon

DesignKeen Limited

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ContributorsPia Zammit

PhotographyGeorge Saguna

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42THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

A look at the latest events that

have taken Gozo by storm.

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16

CHARACTER:

As The Sun Colours The Flowers, So Does Art Colour LifeJo Caruana meets Chev Paul Camilleri Cauchi to discover why this saying has inspired his whole life, as well as his work.

SPIRIT:

100 Years of MarchingNadur is getting ready for a landmark event.

SPIRIT:

Amazing LacePia Zammit discovers everything she has ever wanted to know about the wonderful craft of lace-making.

FOUNDATIONS:

The Rebirth of a BastionLet’s Gozo trails the painstaking – but brilliant – business of fortifying a city anew.

SPIRIT:

Capturing Gozo’s GloryPhotography enthusiasts hope to put Gozo on the local and global map.

FLAVOURS:

Dancing for SurvivalCoryse Borg learns about the last surviving Carnival dance on Gozo.

INSPIRATION:

Relaxation InspiredBy The EastJo Caruana finds a whole new way to relax, at Gozo’s first authentic Oriental Hammam.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Just Round the CornerGet your diaries out as we chart the must-attend events of Gozo’s upcoming calendar.

contentsJanuary/February ‘13

33

6 Let’s Gozo January & February 2013

CHARACTER

As The Sun Colours the Flowers,

So Does Art Colour Life

The above saying is one that has inspired artist Paul Camilleri Cauchi throughout his life. Here he chats to Jo Caruana about his exciting

career and highlights, from his time as a school art master to the day he handed one of his beautiful works over to the Pope.


CHARACTER

art and I was very inspired by him.”Paul’s father certainly inspired his other children

too, as Paul’s siblings all carry a strong artistic gene and some of them work in the field professionally.

“We all watched our dad while growing up and picked up on his talents. I spent so much time in his studio ob-serving his designs, models and papier mache statues. It was so much fun watching him craft his creations. Today we have technical names for all the process he used, but back then he was just doing his thing.

“We all learnt so much from him and he laid the groundwork for me to become the artist I am today. From my earliest memories to the work I create now,

on a busy day when I find myself in Chevalier Paul Ca-milleri Cauchi’s front room. Of course I’m not there by chance but to interview the well-known artist himself, and I am thrilled to be given such a lovely welcome by him and his charming wife Mary Rose, who immedi-ately makes me feel at home and brings me a much-appreciated cup of tea.

Just through the front door and already I am in awe of Paul – his artistic talent is evident in every paint-ing and creation that lines the walls or surface of this entrance space. From vibrant canvasses that evoke the atmosphere of celebration, to the more sombre repre-sentations of religious icons, there’s a full spectrum to take in and it really is illustrative of the artist’s talents.

Perhaps I should start with an introduction to Paul. Arguably a local treasure, his accolades include being given the Gieh il-Belt Victoria Award by the Victoria Local Council… Not to mention the fact he is a Knight of the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem and very proud to be part of a philanthropic organisation. This honour was bestowed on him in 1979; it was originally granted to his father, and then passed to him based on his own merits.

But let’s start at the very beginning: there’s no deny-ing Paul was an artist by birth. The son of well-known statuary Wistin Camilleri, he was born in Victoria in 1940 and grew up surrounded by artistic practices and paraphernalia, something he is most grateful for.

“I am definitely a product of my father,” he says with a smile, pointing to his late dad in photographs that are proudly displayed. “He was the best sculptor and statu-ary of his generation in Malta and Gozo, and veritable pioneer in his field. He was truly specialised in sacred

Chev Paul Camilleri Cauchi mostly works from his Victoria studio, creating a variety of artistic works. His predominant focus is religious imagery, such as this painting below.

I'm rushing through Victoria


CHARACTER

they are all somehow connected to him – even though my mum initially wanted me to take up the violin!”

But while much of Paul’s artistic training came from his dad, he also took his education seriously. He studied at both St Anthony’s College and St Michael’s Training College before obtaining a diploma from the Press Art School in London and a diploma from the Accademia di Belle Arti Pietro Vannucci in Perugia.

“My time in Italy was fantastic and I gained confidence in my work, especially when I got to participate in various exhibitions,” he says, adding that most of his inspiration comes from religion and nature. “Then, back in Malta, I started working as a teacher of art at both a primary and secondary level, and did so for a number of years. It was something I felt very passionate about and still do today – I always jump at the chance to meet with art students and to pass on whatever knowledge I can.

“Having said that, I do believe that objective art ap-

preciation is lacking and fear that some information that is being conveyed to students is misleading. I’ve experienced it for myself when chatting to students and looking at their work. Sadly the information they are given lacks objectivity. Since I was little I was always taught to respect the work of others. It is a vital part of being an artist.”

Perhaps it’s this attitude of respect that has seen Paul rise to the top of his game and he is arguably one of Gozo’s best-known artists. In 1973 he resigned from his role as a teacher to concentrate on his artistic projects, which included winning commissions to embellish many of Malta and Gozo’s Baroque churches.

“I learnt so much about painting churches from professors GB Conti, Briffa, Caruana and Busuttil, who were leading the way at the time,” he says. “They set me on the right road and I never looked back. I even re-member my first commission, which was for the chapel of the Dominican Sisters in Gharb – I was so honoured to be working on it.”

Paul became very passionate about church mural paintings after that and spent countless hours working on walls and ceilings, ensuring everything was just right. “They were my canvasses and they are all unique. It’s nice to know that so many people can enjoy them while attending mass and religious events,” he says.

But while these murals have dominated a huge part of Paul’s career, he never rested on his laurels when it came to producing other styles too. His home and Victoria stu-dio are both testament to his dynamism, and his portfolio ranges from still-life and portraits to abstract and alter-native styles that feel truly cutting-edge and unique.

“There have been so many wonderful highlights,” he smiles humbly, looking at each artwork in turn and re-calling its story and inspiration. One of them would have to be painting the dome of the Gharb Parish church. It was a personal challenge as the space isn’t divided into ribs like most churches so I had to create perfect symme-try on walls that weren’t perfect at all! I had to be unequal in order to be equal and it was a huge test – one that I look back on with pride. Meanwhile, I was also so thrilled to be chosen to present a work of mine to the late Pope John

Paul gained notoriety painting the ceilings, domes and walls of many Maltese and Gozitan churches.

The artist’s work has been so popular that pieces were even chosen to be presented to Pope John Paul II, to be kept in the Vatican museum. Paul is seen

here presenting two items to the Pope, alongside his wife Mary Rose.


Paul. I handed it over to him myself, and it really was a moment I will never forget.”

Today, while juggling his role as a dad and granddad, Paul still works hard and produces plenty of new work. “I started so young and am very grateful to still be work-ing today – at the ripe old age of 76! When I first started

I never stopped for a moment and was like a monkey hanging from the scaffolding in the churches so as to get the job done perfectly. Today I’m not quite as nimble but I still give it a good go! It an amazing feeling to still be able to create, achieve and give pleasure through my work, and something I hope to do for a long time still.”

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Based on his own merits, Paul inherited his father’s knighthood. He is very proud to form part of a philanthropic order.

CHARACTER


SPIRIT

Nadur is getting ready for a landmark event, so Pia Zammit pays a visit to find out what they’ve been up to.

marchingONE HUNDRED YEARS OF

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Adults and children of all ages come together to take part in the procession and mark the importance of Good Friday.


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The statues are made from papier mache – which makes them much lighter than if they were made of wood. Their diadems and crosses are made of silver.

Easter is always a busy time in every parish’s calendar, and 2013 will mark a particularly important Good Friday Procession for Nadur: they will be cel-

ebrating their 100th procession. I met up with the Reverend Canon Father

Carmel Portelli to get the low down on the history of the event and to find out what we can expect on 29 March 2013.

Fr Portelli has been taking care of the Good Friday activities for the last 40 years. “Every year I say that I’ll retire, but I keep on doing it,” he smiles.

Good Friday processions on Gozo used to only be held in Rabat, however, in 1913, the town of Nadur held its own by carrying three statues round the town – the Ecce Homo, Our Lady of Sorrows and Kristu Mejjet.

Fr Portelli tells me that, “it is possible that some form of procession used to take place prior to that though, as we have documented evidence that, in 1752, the town bought the statue of the Ecce Homo – the same one that was used in the 1913 procession. In fact, while we were restoring the Duluri (Our Lady of Sorrows) statue, we found that it was stuffed with newspapers dated back to 1863. The Kristu Mejjet was probably purchased around that year too. If these statues weren’t used in a procession prior to 1913, then they were possibly used for devotions.”

The following year, in 1914, the parish set up a committee to take charge of the Good Friday procession and they commissioned Carmel Mallia, nicknamed Il-Lhudi from Hal-Luqa, to make more statues. “Initially

statues used to be made of karta pesta (papier mache), but eventually they were carved out of wood. Some people believe that you can carve more artistic details using wood – but I can tell you that wood statues are much heavier to carry around,” he chuckles.

Various repairs and updates have been made to the 300-year old parish’s contin-gent of statues, and around 20 years ago all the crosses and the statues’ diadems were changed to silver.

For the hundredth anniversary they have big plans. “We have almost completed res-toration on the Duluri statue and will also be restoring the old Vara l-Kbira (main statue). This hasn’t been taken out for at least 35 years and will finally be exhibited in 2013. We are making new clothes for the men who carry the statues – they will all be given a new, made-to-measure konfratija (cassock) and mozzetta (shoulder cape). All the statues will get new forcini (wooden forked supports which are used to help carry the statues) and we have even introduced new biblical char-acters who will take part in the pageant. Plus, we have issued the second edition of our pub-lication about the history of the procession.”

As far as activities are concerned, the par-ish has also introduced a musical programme where thoughts about the passion of Christ and poems will be read out. Additionally, ev-ery Friday throughout Lent, one of the stat-ues will be carried through the streets and taken to different parts of the village where prayers will be said.

“Oh, and this time we’ll have around 2,000 roses decorating the statues – Mary Galea and Rita Meilaq take care of this,” he continues. “We’ve been doing quite a bit of fundraising too. Usually we spend around €6,500 annu-ally on the Good Friday procession, however for 2013 we will spend upwards of €12,000. We always raise money independently of the


SPIRIT

Artist james azzopardi during the restoration process of our lady of sorrows statue.

From the dressing of the statues to the carrying of the cross, there are various roles to play and everyone has a job to do.

“ Usually we spend around €6,500 every year on the Good Friday procession, however for 2013 we will spend around €12,000.”


church and we have many generous benefac-tors who supplement our fundraising too,” he hastens to add.

Originally the procession used to consist only of the statues, their bearers and some young boys wearing zimarri (cloaks) and car-rying fanali (lanterns). However by 1990 the Nadur females wanted in on the action – so they were allowed to join the procession too. “The youngest participant ever was a two month old baby – his mother was the Madonna

Hundreds of people take part, including 130 children. The committee is run by 25 people who start work as soon as Christmas is over.

and the baby was of course Jesus”, Fr Portelli says with a smile. “1990 also saw the beginning of the penitence vows – where people wear chains around their ankles and follow the pro-cession. People from all over Gozo and Malta come to Nadur to do this,” he says.

The full complement of the procession now includes two bands (one from Nadur and one from neighbouring Ghajnsielem) and biblical characters from both the old and new testa-ments. “Around 130 children from age six take part, as do 50 Roman and Jewish soldiers, 50 biblical characters, 130 people to carry the statues and 60-odd helpers who look after the children during the procession, not to mention the horses and donkeys who also participate. It’s quite a contingent we have!” Fr Portelli says with a smile.

“The Good Friday committee is made up of around 25 people and we meet every two weeks throughout the year. As well as plan-ning the next procession we discuss fund-raising, organise the sewing of costumes and maintenance of the statues. After Christmas it’s all systems go, and this time we have more work but less time as Easter comes early in 2013. Thankfully we have recruited more people to help.”

The events on Good Friday start with the kissing of the cross at around 3pm.

“Everyone participates in this, so those who are also taking part in the procession have to then rush to get ready to start at 6pm. The procession is back in the church by 9.30pm. Easter Saturday is then a day of much work for us. We start at 4am as the statues have to be put back into place by midday and every-thing cleared away. We then have a little cel-ebration with figolli for the kids and whisky for the adults,” he says with a grin.

SPIRIT


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The procession takes place between 6pm and 9.30pm on Good Friday.

candles to light the way for the procession and someone actually sourced a generator so we’d have light in the Church on our return.”

Fr Portelli is understandably very proud of Nadur’s devotion and dedication to this procession. “Maybe next year will be my last – who knows?” he concludes with a twinkle in his eye.

“It’s very gratifying that so many people at-tend the Good Friday procession here in Na-dur – attendance actually competes with the festa, especially if the weather is good. I think my favourite Good Friday ever was around three years ago when there was a massive power cut just as we were leaving the church. The whole village rallied round and brought

SPIRIT


Amazing LacePia Zammit discovers all she ever wanted to know and more about the wonderful craft of lace-making, and may actually be tempted to take it up.

SPIRIT


Consiglia Azzopardi has made it her mission to promote the art of lace making – so much so that she is championing for a national lace museum.

CONSIGLIA AZZOPARDI IS A FORMIDABLE WOMAN ANDshe’s on a mission. A mission to single-handedly docu-ment and preserve Gozo and Malta’s lace-making histo-ry. “Lace is my life, but it’s also our heritage as Gozitans. It is part of who we are and it’s in the public interest to have a Lace Museum,” she says. “It’s sorely lacking,” she vehemently adds, cementing her agenda from the get-go.

I meet Consiglia at her home in Sannat – a house lined with knick-knacks and lace-associated parapher-nalia. As she clears the dining room table of books to make space for me to write, she tells me, “I inherited lace making. You see I was born in Gharb in 1946 – after the war – and even at the young age of five, I remember every woman in the village working lace.”

SPIRIT


She paints the scene beautifully, “the women would sit outside and, of course, there was no traffic in those days – so there was no pollution, although it was rather dusty. They’d sit in the shade, chat and make lace to sell – it was their livelihood.

“I started working lace from a very young age; we would work for a trader. He had a little shop in Gharb

and would then pay us in supplies from the shop – clothes and sheets mainly,” she laughs. “Keep in mind that we were a farming community and so we didn’t have cash in hand. The men would work on the land and we’d supplement our income by selling our lace.

Consiglia’s aunt was very accomplished at lace mak-ing and sewing, and she learnt much of the trade from her. “In those days it was taken for granted that a girl knew how to make clothes – in fact we used to learn needlework at school too,” she recalls. “But I loved lace-making more than anything else.”

I asked Consiglia what would happen to the lace that they sold to the trader. “He’d mainly work it into table cloths and napkins, and then take them to Malta to sell. Most of them would be sold on abroad. It was standard practice that you worked for around three merchants who eventually started paying us in actual money – the wage wasn’t bad at all!” she chuckles.

Consiglia was a rare breed as she didn’t leave school at age 12, which was the norm in those days. “I passed my exams and went to Form One in Rabat. I fared very well at school and always wanted to be a teacher. Even though I lived in a house with no books, unlike this one,” she says, gesticulating around the library-like room. “I always loved reading and writing. I’d study in winter and work for the merchants in the summer.

“Then there came a turning point in my life. It hap-pened in the summer between forms two and three, when my aunt’s friend asked me to work on one of the ‘triehi tal-knisja’ (church altar cloths) – not the main one mind you, but one of the ones they laid underneath. I worked on this all summer and, to this day, they still use it in the Gharb church. I was very proud that I was granted the honour to make it, and it was at this point that I realised I could make lace on a larger scale.”

But first Consiglia had to concentrate on her studies. “I sat for 10 O’Levels and passed them all. As I was still

too young to go to college, I had to take a year out. I did so much sewing, knitting and lace-making that year!” she fondly smiles. “And I also learnt how to make lace pat-

This intricate art can take years to master, and patterns (as below)help to create the stunning finished product (above).

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“It’s in public interest to have a Lace Museum. It’s sorely lacking.”


Consiglia remembers the days when lace was a way of life and truly

appreciated – even by royalty!

terns, which is a painstaking job that requires complete accuracy. I re-worked many of the old patterns which I still use to this day.”

Eventually Consiglia went on to university and wrote a thesis on the history of lace-making in Gozo. She is now in the process of finalising her second thesis, which will earn her a Ph.D.

“I’m not doing this because I want to be called Dr Azzopardi,” she laughs, “but because I want there to be documentation of this very important aspect of our history.”

I asked her to talk me through the process of lace-making. “Lace is worked using bobbins and pins on an

imhadda (pillow) or a trajbu (from the Maltese word tarbija which means baby), from a pattern that has been traced and stuck on the imhadda. This particular shape is unique to Malta and Gozo and it used to be made from straw. The imhadda needs to be very portable. Most people work it by leaning it against a wall and sitting up very straight – a good posture is imperative as you usu-ally spend many hours at a time working lace.

“There are stories about friends who would go swim-ming and take an imhadda with them, so one would swim and the other would work lace – and then they’d switch. Once you’ve got the lace-making bug, you won’t waste any opportunity to work it!”

Lace making on Gozo can be traced back to 1619 in church records stating that money was spent to buy a lace ‘terha’. It was probably produced for many years before that, however this is the first recorded instance that Consiglia has found. “It has been a part of us for so long and now it’s in danger of dying out. Young people aren’t interested in handcrafts anymore unfortunately. It’s definitely flailing as an industry, but I’m fighting to revive it as a craft, as is happening in lace-making coun-

SPIRIT

Lace is worked using bobbins and pins on a pillow, just like this one.


Consiglia has a huge variety of items in her collection, many of them dating back several decades. She would love for them to be housed in a permanent exhibition.

tries all over the world. Countries like Spain, Belgium and Holland take it very seriously – but where is our lace museum? We need to be able to show young people how lace is made. We need to spark their interest, and a museum will not only preserve our heritage but will also help the craft survive,” she declares passionately.

Consiglia has another bugbear. “Unfortunately, com-mercially-produced lace is not helping matters as it is marketed as hand produced and is also very expensive.

They use cheap thread that looks good initially and then falls apart once you wash it. Machines can only mass-produce lace. They can’t work symbols or coats of arms – machines can’t do work tailored for individu-als. Many tourists are cheated out of their money and tricked into buying inferior lace.”

After working as a primary and secondary school teacher, Consiglia went on to teach lace to teenagers at the trade school between 1978 and 1982. Today, in conjunction with the university, she gives lace-making classes in Gozo every Saturday. “These certificate courses run from October to June, and each lesson lasts around four hours. You need to follow the course for three years to be self-sufficient in the art of lace-making. Now we also offer a Diploma Course in Lace Studies and this is held in Malta every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

“All my students have been mature students and this concerns me. I wish younger people would want to learn. I’m now trying to have lace-making introduced as an extra credit at the university; maybe this will help. I want people to understand how fascinating lace can be. In fact, here’s an interesting detail: I find that Gozitans are much better at lace-making, and learn much faster than Maltese students. How interesting is that? The craft is deep-rooted in us. And here’s another: in fami-lies you will find that sisters have the same ‘tension’ in their lace-making. It’s like handwriting – an expert can recognise a person’s lacework.”

As well as her teaching, Consiglia also takes care of the Lace Making Cooperative on Gozo. They have around 16 members and specialise in individual, made-to-order requests. She has also published a couple of books: Gozo Lace: ‘An Introduction to Lace Making in the Maltese Islands’ and ‘Gozo Lace: A selection of bobbin lace patterns designed by Dun Guzepp Diacono, 1847-1924’.

“My aim now is to raise the standard of hand-made lace and to spread the word that lace is not the craft of the illiterate and uneducated,” she tells me earnestly. “And my ultimate dream is to create an exhibition space and show real Gozitan and Maltese lace through

“It was standard practice that you worked for around three merchants who

eventually started paying us actual money – the wage wasn’t bad at all!”

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Aside from teaching and working on her PhD, Consiglia raises awareness through the Lace Making Cooperative on Gozo.

history. I have done so much research and managed to bring some old lace pieces that had been exported back to Gozo. These are masterpieces and the best of the best. I don’t want them to languish rolled-up in a drawer after I die. I want them documented, displayed and left for the public to enjoy. It’s in the public interest,” she re-

peats vehemently as we say goodbye. “Everyone should know about the wonders of lace-making and how it is a part of us. We can’t escape that.”

For more information about the cooperative visit www.malteselace.eu

SPIRIT


The Rebirth of a BASTION

Pia Zammit talks to Ivana Farrugia about the painstaking – but brilliant – business of

fortifying a city anew.

FOUNDATIONS


FOUNDATIONS

The Citadel, in the heart of Rabat, towers above the capi-tal city of Gozo, seemingly protecting and watching over

the town as it goes about its daily routine.

It has almost always been this way. The plateaued hilltop on which it stands is known to have been resided on since Neolithic times. It then became the island’s focal point around 1500BC during the Bronze Age – we have proof of this as there is evidence of conical

“ If we had to replace every single stone which shows signs of deterioration and damage, we’d end up with a brand new Cittadella!”


FOUNDATIONS

pits used for the storage of wheat around this time.

The spot stood, watching, through the Roman Era (218 BC – 450 AD) when the granting of Gozitan Municipium led to the develop-ment of the town Gaulos beneath the citadel, which functioned as

an acropolis. This was followed by the Medieval Period (1090 – 1530) where it is documented as the only fortified shelter on the island. And then came the period of The Knights of St John (1530 – 1798), during which time the Citadel was besieged by the Turks and its weak medieval walls succumbed to gun-powder bombardments. Then later, in 1599 and under the direction of Engineer Giovanni Rinaldini, re-structuring works started to refor-tify and modernise the Citadel.

But the history of the Citadel you see before you today didn’t stop then. As of January 2012 works started once again, and I met up with Ivana Farrugia, chief architect within the Restoration Directorate of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, the entity which is leading the restoration project cur-rently underway with the collabora-tion of the Ministry for Gozo, to find out more.

She tells me that, “the present form of the perimeter enceinte is mainly a result of the incorporation of medieval stretches of fortified walls into the early 17th century de-signs, which were implemented by the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.”

I am curious about the stone used to construct the citadel walls. “It varies,” Ivana tells me. “A particu-lar characteristic of the Cittadella is, for example, that the knights used local coralline limestone blocks instead of the softer globi-gerina blocks (tal-franka) which were more commonly used in their other sites. Over the ages, the coral-line limestone deteriorated in a way which is different from the charac-teristic honeycombed deterioration present at other sites.

“One of our concerns during the on-going restoration of the walls is to try and respect this particular characteristic of the Citadel. How-ever, there are areas along the bastions which were built by the British during their ‘restoration in-terventions’. These areas are clearly distinguishable from the rest as the British used globigerina and some-times gave a particular surface tex-ture (tal-gidra) to the exposed face.

“For our restoration we are em-ploying the ‘replace like with like’ principle. So, for instance, if we’re carrying out stone replacement works on a stretch of wall that has the franka stone, we replace it with franka stone with the same dimen-sions and configuration. So, even

The stone coat of arms, as well as the walls, are being painstakingly restored to their former glory.

“ The plateaued hilltop on which the Citadel stands has been inhabited since Neolithic times.”


The team, which includes a geologist, has been all hands on deck to replace and repair the damaged stones.

FLAVOURSFOUNDATIONS


though we are not using the same quarry which was used during the original construction of the Citadel (we don’t know its exact location nor is it used as a quarry today), we do try to source material which is as akin as possible in physical charac-teristics to the original stone we are restoring. ”

Ivana tells me that, in the initial phases of the project, the team, which including a geologist, went to the local coralline limestone quarry which the contractor had identified as its supplier. “We wanted to iden-tity the specific geological forma-tion which would guarantee that the stone used in the restoration works was as close as possible to the stone used in the original construction.”

Meanwhile, another major con-cern is to replace the minimum amount of stones possible. “Once you replace a stone, the ‘original’ one used by our forefathers will be lost forever,” she says. “Moreover, if we had to replace every single stone

which shows signs of deterioration and damage, we’d end up with a brand new Cittadella!

“So, what we’ve done is, wher-ever possible, repair stones plasti-cally. This means that the alveoli, or those depressions/holes which form because of salt crystallisation on the surface, have been filled with a lime-based mix. It is a kind of sacrificial layer which protects the original stone and which needs to be maintained over the years.”

I ask her about the newer breach and whether this will be changed. “In the current project we are con-centrating on the restoration of the land front bastions, the northern enceinte and the consolidation of the friable rock beneath the exter-nal enceinte, and only restoration works on the stone fabric will be carried out. However a future proj-ect, which is part of the implemen-tation of the master plan conducted by the Ministry for Gozo, proposes to close off the breach with a glass

door on which an image of stone fabric will be projected. The glass door will then only be opened on occasions related to special festivi-ties and church functions. The aim of this is to re-create the feeling that you are entering a fortified Citadel – something that has been somewhat lost because of the current newer breach,” she replies helpfully.

Works on the project actually started back in 2008. The Restora-tion Directorate within the Minis-try for Resources and Rural Affairs had managed to acquire funds under the EU funding programme ERDF (European and Regional De-velopment Fund). This eventually led to the execution of the on-site restoration and rock consolidation works currently underway.

Ivana tells me that, “the first phase of the project was an inten-sive data-collection period. You see, dealing with the restoration of an old historic building or monument is a bit like a doctor dealing with a patient – first you need to get all the background information so as to make a good diagnosis and treat your patient efficiently! We needed to know the Citadel’s history, past interventions and deterioration mechanisms affecting its fabric in order to effectively plan a restora-tion project and implement it.”

So they got to it. First there was the execution of detailed documen-tation – three-dimensional and two-dimensional recording and mapping – of the entire Cittadella. Then laser scanning technol-ogy was used to create a 3D virtual model of the Citadel fortifications and the old part of Rabat. From this

The current project focuses on the land front bastions, northern enceinte and the consolidation of the friable rock beneath the external enceinte.

FOUNDATIONS

“Dealing with the restoration of an old historic building or

monument is a bit like a doctor dealing with a patient.”


model, detail drawings on a stone-to-stone basis of the bastion walls were made and the team could then quantify the damage which needed repair and the actual planning of the restoration interventions required.

“This phase, carried out between June 2009 and March 2010, led the publication of the first tender for

execution of on-site works – namely the restoration works to the Citadel Landfront Fortifications. The res-toration works started in January 2011 and it is envisaged that this first tender will be completed by April this year.

“We’re in the final stretch. We will soon have restored the section of

bastion wall facing the old borgo of Rabat – stretching between St Mar-tin’s demi-bastion all the way round the curtain wall.

And then it will be finalised! It’s certainly been a lot of hard work for all involved, but the results will definitely be worth it – and we’ll have a beauti-fully resorted gem once again!”

FOUNDATIONS

The team carefully studied the Citadel’s history so as to choose the best methods and materials to use.


Coryse Borg meets two passionate photography enthusiasts who are determined to put Gozo on the local and global map as far as photography is concerned.

SPIRIT

CapturingGOZO’S GLORY


SPIRIT

Gozo is beautiful. Gozo in winter is particularly beau-tiful and tremendously picturesque. It makes

me wish I was an artist so I could paint its bright hues and capture the very essence of this island.

These are my thoughts as I pre-pare to meet with Paul Scicluna and Anthony Grech of the Gozo Photography Association (GPA). The group essentially brings to-gether a number of photography

The Gozo Photography Association know how to make the most of the stunning spots

across the island, and have held shoots in countryside, seaside,

urban and residential locations.


enthusiasts - many of whom are Gozitan – to photograph the island in all its glory.

Paul laughs when I ask him how long he has been into photography, so it’s quickly clear that it is some-thing he has loved for many years. Anthony, on the other hand, tells me he caught the photography bug after he went to a lecture by renowned photographer Kevin Casha. He admits that, now, he never leaves the house without his camera and even refers to himself as being 'at

one with the camera'. He is a fervent believer that photography can be a form of art, and Paul agrees with him, saying that good photographs are ‘composed’ and not just ‘shot’… which makes them art.

The GPA started off as an off-shoot of the Malta Institute of Photography (MIPP) a couple of years ago. The founding members started meeting regularly, as well as organising photography walks (by day and night) and seminars. Lecturers from Malta also made

SPIRIT

BELOW: Paul Scicluna and Anthony Vella of the Gozo Photography Association.

trips over to Gozo to impart their knowledge and discuss their expe-riences with the members. Every-one has been keen to lend a hand and encourage the development of this niche unit.

Paul beams with pride when he says that the one thing all the group's members have in common is their willingness to learn – both from their mistakes and from each other. This is why the group also organises critique sessions where members can offer constructive criticism of the other members' works.

He smiles when I ask why exactly Gozo is considered to be such a haven for photographers:

"Gozo is particularly photogenic,” he says. “The island boasts so many amazing spots that are simply beg-ging to be photographed. Some of my favourites include Dwejra and Ras il-Wardija, with Fungus Rock in the background. Plus, the Gozitan sunset is just incredible to photo-graph, as are the cliffs. The whole island is fascinating – it has so many different facets and layers. Some-times we forget how gorgeous it is here. But, through our group, we are re-discovering the beauty of Gozo and I believe that is very valuable.”

Through the photography walks that are frequently organised by the group, the members are also


unearthing more and more 'hidden' sites and spaces, such as the locality known as Ta' Sanap. Overlooking Xlendi, this pretty spot has given them all kinds of inspiration and encouraged them to get creative. Meanwhile, the group has also ventured to Malta and recently or-ganised a photography walk in the Three Cities.

Aside from the lectures, seminars and walks, the Association also holds shoots for 'street photogra-phy' in towns and villages, as well as exhibitions. The latest one was 'Frammenti', which took place at the Citadella Arts and Crafts Centre last November, and which incorporated the works of nine photographers, seven of whom were from Gozo. The exhibition was such a success that it is being turned into an annual event.

The Association was mainly set up to get Gozo photographers together to be eligible for EU funds and other benefits.

"Photography is another niche market for Gozo’s tourism sector," adds Paul. "We need to start set-ting up courses for foreigners and

encouraging them to come here to take photos. We also need to take a leaf out of the diving industry's book and turn photography into a successful venture that could ben-efit the island in numerous ways."

Paul and Anthony encourage any-one with an interest in photography

to join the Association and partici-pate in their many activities. More information may be obtained from their Facebook page (search for ‘Gozo Photography Association'). To become a member of the GPA, send an email to: [email protected].

SPIRIT

special

The Association hopes to hold regular exhibitions to showcase the work of its members.

www.ecogozo.comFor a full list of ecoGozo projects, please visit

Nearly 8000 Naqqas u Ffranka visits to Gozitan families and

more than 600 Gozitan businesses being advised on energy consumption, renewable energy and waste separation

*217,000m2 of open spaces being given back for the enjoyment of families as parks(*equivalent to more than 28 standard football grounds)

13 new sculptures being installed in public areas in Gozo

73 million litres of water saved through cleaning of valleys and distribution of water saving kits

€2.5 million invested in localities through the ecoGozo schemes for Local Councils and NGOs

60% of the energy consumed at the Ministry for Gozo premises generated from renewable sources

More than 4500 children involved in educational activities related to sustainable development

€1,200,000 for a Centre for Research, Development and Innovation in Agriculture and the Environment

More than 4000 new trees planted and 5km of rubble walls restored


SPIRIT

Coryse Borg learns about the last surviving Carnival dance on Gozo… and discovers

that its legacy is in danger of being lost.

Dancing for

Coryse Borg learns about the last

Dancing for Survival

Phot

os: F

ranc

es B

usut

til /

Law

renc

e Ca

mill

eri /

Rac

hel S

mith

www.ecogozo.comFor a full list of ecoGozo projects, please visit

Nearly 8000 Naqqas u Ffranka visits to Gozitan families and

more than 600 Gozitan businesses being advised on energy consumption, renewable energy and waste separation

*217,000m2 of open spaces being given back for the enjoyment of families as parks(*equivalent to more than 28 standard football grounds)

13 new sculptures being installed in public areas in Gozo

73 million litres of water saved through cleaning of valleys and distribution of water saving kits

€2.5 million invested in localities through the ecoGozo schemes for Local Councils and NGOs

60% of the energy consumed at the Ministry for Gozo premises generated from renewable sources

More than 4500 children involved in educational activities related to sustainable development

€1,200,000 for a Centre for Research, Development and Innovation in Agriculture and the Environment

More than 4000 new trees planted and 5km of rubble walls restored


SPIRIT

Gozo took a surreal turn when I was on my rounds for this issue of Let’s Gozo. I decided – disastrously as it turns out – to trust my phone's GPS system to safely take me to Xaghra where I was meant to meet with Noel Theuma, the president of the Kummittiva Committee (the organising committee behind the Gozitan Carnival folk dance). However, in its infinite wisdom, instead of Xaghra, the GPS decided to direct me to Zebbug... yes Zebbug, which is pretty much in the opposite direction.

Running only slightly late (as, thankfully, I am well-aware of my total lack of sense of direction and had arrived from Malta a little earlier than strictly necessary), I finally switched the phone off, swallowed my pride and asked for directions. One very kind and patient pedestrian later, I parked in front of the Nazzarenu Church Centre where I was scheduled to meet Noel, only five minutes late.

The first time Noel took part in the Kummittiva, he was just four years old and played one of the two children with a perfunctory role in the folk dance. Fast forward a few years and he is now the president of the committee, as well as one of the longest-standing dancers within it.

He reckons that he has performed the complete dance at least 18 times, starting when he was 14.

He explains that, in times gone by, the troupe was strictly male. Half the men dressed up in male costumes, while the others were dressed as women (Noel himself has taken the female role three times, in fact). However, as time went by, finding enough men to take part in the dance proved harder and harder, so women were drafted in successfully.

The Kummittiva is now at least 120 years old. It has not been held every single year since it first started, how-ever it has now been held 13 years in a row. The dance is always the same one. Each year the performers start rehearsals as soon as Christmas is over. If some are com-pletely new, of course, extra rehearsals are added to bring them up to speed.

The dancers are always in pairs' with 12 pairs (24 danc-ers), 14 (28) or 16 (32). Tradition and the intricacies of the dance decree that there cannot be less than 12 pairs. There are actually a few married couples in the troupe and, romantically enough, the Kummittiva is where Noel met his future wife, Isabelle, 20 years ago.

Apparently the love for dance runs in Noel's family – his grandfather, father, three sisters, two kids and niece have also performed in the event. His 13-year-old son, Owen, danced for the first time last year, while his seven-year-old, Hayden, has taken the part of the little boy... just like his dad did all those years ago.

My driving adventures on


The Kummitiva has been performed for at least 120 years, and for the past 13 years consecutively. In the past it was men who played all the roles, while women joined the team more recently.

“ One mistake on the part of the dancers would mean that the ribbons they are weaving round the maypole would get knotted and spoil the whole thing!”

SPIRIT

The Kummittiva – which is about an hour-and-a-half long – is usually performed on Carnival Saturday in Naz-zarenu Square after 7.30pm mass, and again on Sunday morning at about 10am. Noel tells me that locals do at-tend, but the majority of the audience is made up of Mal-tese and foreigners who have flocked over for the Gozitan Carnival experience. The dance is also child-friendly, so it attracts fans of all ages and is a brilliant experience for the whole family.

Meanwhile, the Kummittiva dancers also take their performance to villages in Malta and have performed during activities such as Notte Bianca.

Their costumes are based on the authentic clothes worn by Gozitans many years ago. Noel tells me they cost quite a lot of money; most of it collected through fund raising, although the local council does its bit to help as well.

Finally on my Xaghra adventure, I get to watch a piece of the dance... not live, alas, but through a recorded DVD performance from 2009. Noel explains that the dance is divided into distinct sections; some of it comprises of the man and woman dancing together, others feature the woman in front of the man, and so on. At one point, they dance with ribbons around a maypole, intertwining to cre-ate an intricate piece of choreography (my favourite part). It’s clear that one little mistake could see the ribbons get knotted and ruin the whole thing in an instant – they have definitely rehearsed very hard to get it right.

At this point, I meet with Frances Busuttil who is a font of knowledge as far as the Kummittiva is concerned. She tells me that the dance is an eclectic mixture of various cultures, coming together to form something completely unique. The dance steps come from France and Sicily, while the music –which is always the same and played live by a band– incorporates different styles and genres, including American folk tunes.

She tells me about two people who were instrumental in starting up the dance again when it had fallen into dis-use a few years’ ago – Karistu Gatt, known as ‘Taz-Zikk’ and Paul Sultana ‘Tal-Kesis’.


The Group rehearses regularly after Christmas, ensuring the intricacies of the choreography are performed without error.

SPIRIT

Performances are held in the main square.


Frances is obviously very passionate about the Kum-mittiva. She says that it is the only real Carnival dance existent on Gozo. There used to be similar dances in other villages, but they have been lost in the mists of time, she tells me.

So what's next for the Kummittiva? Well, Noel con-fesses that one of his greatest wishes is to take the dance to festivals abroad. As usual, money is the greatest problem, but he says he really hopes to be in a position to make this dream a reality sooner rather than later.

However, he says, the more pressing issue for now is his worry that the Kummittiva might actually be lost, just like the dances in other villages were all those years ago. He frowns as he tells me that last year's dance almost didn't happen when they struggled to scrape together the required number of performers. He worries that youngsters are more interested in more 'modern' types of dance and are shying away from tradition.

By way of a plea to anyone who may be interested, Noel stressed that those performing the Kummittiva don’t have to be professional dancers... but they do need

to have a good memory (although there is a 'leader' who whistles when a new section of the dance is about to begin). Plus they don’t have to be from Xaghra.

So, if you are reading this and thinking that you'd like to give it a try, take a look at their Facebook page (search for ‘Kummittiva’). You never know – a year today you might be part of something really special in Xaghra!

Saturday 9th February:

A varied Carnival Programme in Nazzarenu Square, Xaghra Gozo. There will be the participation of local dance companies, Carnival competitions, the traditional kukkanja game and the traditional kumittiva dance.

Sunday 10th February:Carnival Band marches by the Victory Philharmonic Society of Xaghra Gozo

starting from Ta’ Kola Windmill along 8th September Avenue and ending in Victory Square.

The Carnival main programme in Victory Square including

Carnival floats, local dance companies and the traditional kumittiva dance. The traditional prinjolata will be given free of charge.

Carnival Activities:

Xaghra Local Council

10.30am:

From noon onwards:

From 7.30pm onwards:

The team hope to encourage more young people to join in, so as to ensure the tradition won’t be lost.

“… it is the only real Carnival dance in Gozo. There used to be similar dances in other villages,

but they have been lost in the mists of time.”

SPIRIT


Gold mosaics and grey marble combinefor the ultimate, relaxing setting

Real Gozitan RELAXATION… Inspired By The East

Surrounded by Mother Nature in the picturesque village of San Lawrenz, Jo Caruana discovers a whole new way to relax and unwind – at Gozo’s first authentic Oriental Hammam.

INSPIRATION


INSPIRATION


Idon’t know about you, but I find Gozo very relaxing as it is. Once I’m aboard the ferry and staring out at the open sea and glimpses

of green landscape, I leave the hub-bub behind and concentrate on the important business of winding down. Yes, Gozo is definitely my go-to space for a much-needed chill-out.

But if the general laid-back Gozo way of life still isn’t enough to en-tice you to switch off, the island is now home to a space that pretty much guarantees you’ll loosen up. Launched in October last year, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz (a place already synonymous with the concept of relaxation) opened Gozo’s first Oriental Hammam, inspired by the theme of ‘1,001 Arabian Nights’.

“Our spa has always been suc-cessful and recently won the Lead-ing Malta Spa Resort and Leading Mediterranean Spa Resort for the fourth year running,” smiles Alexandra Schmidt, the hotel’s sales and marketing director. “But we wanted to offer something new while giving this an authentic twist, so we created a hammam.

“As a rule, the Kempinski fran-chise always does what it can to highlight local traditions and this hammam fits right in with the his-tory of the Maltese Islands, and especially the Arab era. After all, it was the Arabs that built the first oriental baths on the island, and the country has experienced so many different influences over the centuries that have turned it into a delightful melting pot today. So this ties in beautifully with that,

hailing local roots while offering something new and exciting to both our local and foreign clients.”

The spa, which has been sub-stantially expanded to accom-modate all the new facilities and treatments, now offers the largest area of authentic facilities in the Mediterranean. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, you can feel yourself relaxing even as you approach the space – the atmo-sphere is calm, the staff smiling and the scent intoxicating. Within minutes I already wish I could stay all day.

There’s lots to see and take in too, and it's clear that no detail has been spared – from the inviting re-ception to the gorgeous relaxation room (complete with a veiled bed

that literally begs you to climb on and drift off to sleep). There are several other spaces, including an Exfoliation Room where guests can prepare their bodies for the treatments to come, and a hydro-therapy pool.

“But the heart of the extended spa is definitely the hammam it-self,” continues Alexandra, as I am shown into this white marble room – and she’s right: it is absolutely stunning.

“The décor of this space was in the hands of renowned Maltese designer Carlo Schembri and one of the hotel’s owners, Dorothy Bal-dachino. The results are absolutely beautiful with shiny mosaic details and, of course, the heated marble.”

Hammams like this one first be-came popular in the 15th century in the eastern world. They served as a social meeting point for the wealthy, but were also celebrated for their health benefits.

“In many cultures hammams are still known as ‘secret doctors’ and are used to treat all kinds of medical conditions. The ritual helps to cleanse and detox, while purifying the body, mind and soul. Meanwhile, it allows our guests to immerse themselves in a magical world with exclusively-composed treatments, and top-quality prod-ucts that make all the difference to the results.”

The outcome is wonderful and works in perfect symbiosis with the Kempinski atmosphere. “So many spas are set in busy, city loca-tions, but Gozo already lends itself

The treatment rooms are set around the hydrotherapy pool.

INSPIRATION


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so well to the idea of relaxation and getting away from it all – that’s what our clients love so much about coming here.

“In Gozo you can see the stars, listen to the birds and walk through the countryside, and that’s very

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believe we’re offering a complete package for people who want to get away from it all. After a couple of days here they feel wholly revived and rejuvenated – ready to face the hustle and bustle of the real world once again!”

What is a Hammam?

A hammam, which is also known as a Turkish bath, is the Middle Eastern variant of a steam bath. The practice originated in Arabia

but became very popular in Turkey, where it is still a major part of life today. Although there are various stages to a hammam treatment,

the climax occurs in the ‘hot room’, which houses a large marble belly or navel stone. Bathers can enjoy the heat while being vigorously scrubbed by an attendant using

special soap. They are then rinsed and massaged to perfection!The veiled bed in the relaxation area

begs you to climb on drift off to sleep

INSPIRATION


JANUARY 2013:

27M Feast of St John BoscoDon Bosco Oratory Procession with the statue of St John Bosco. For more info: Don Bosco Oratory, Tel. 2155 6616, [email protected].

S Don Bosco Grand Concert Don Bosco OratoryFor more info: Don Bosco Oratory, Tel. 21556616, [email protected]

29E Ghotja ta’ Gieh il-Fontana 2012 Sala tal-Komunita’, Kunsill Lokali FontanaFor more info: Tel. 2155 8877, [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2013:

1M Caliente Maxtura Hall, MarsalfornFor more info: Gozo Beach Boys on Facebook.

1-18S Apokreas Banca Giuratale, Independence Sqr, Victoria

Carnival Photography Exhibition by Tonio Schembri. For more info: Gozo Cultural Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

2 Inaugural Carnival Parade Along Republic Str, VictoriaWith the participation of dance com-panies, floats, grotesque masks and local bands. For more info: Gozo Cul-ture Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

Miss Queen Carnival Competition MBC TheatreFor more info: Nadur Local Council, Tel. 2155 8080, [email protected]

3E Taz-Zejt Church Restoration – Inauguration Taz-Zejt ChapelFor more info: L-Gharb Local Council, Tel. 2156 0556, [email protected]

R Titular Feast of St Paul in MarsalfornMarsalforn GozoFor more info: Rev. Canon Michael Borg, Tel. 2155 1010 / 9943 6073.

3 Nadur Organised CarnivalSt Peter & St Paul’s Square For more info: Nadur Local Council, Tel. 2155 8080, [email protected]

7 Carnival SoiréePjazza Zjara tal-Madonna, GharbFor more info: L-Gharb Local Council, Tel.2156 0556, [email protected].

Dance Spectacle by Gozitan Dance Schools Carnival Enclosure, Independence Sqr, VictoriaFor more info: Gozo Culture Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

8-10 Xewkija Carnival St John Baptist Square and Soil Street, Xewkija The famous and spontaneous car-nival, which includes the Kukkanja, costumes and float competitions. For more info: Xewkija Local CouncilW: www.xewkija.gov.mt

8-12 Famous Nadur Spontaneous CarnivalNadur CentreFor more info: Nadur Local Council, Tel. 2155 8080, [email protected]

9 Carnival Show Carnival Enclosure, Inde-pendence Square Victoria With the participation of school children, dance companies, adult

dance companies, floats, grotesque masks and local bands. For more info: Gozo Cultural Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

Carnival Dance Spectacle Carnival Enclosure, Independence Sqr, VictoriaFor more info: Gozo Cultural Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

Carnival in Xaghra with the Traditional Kumittiva Nazzarenu Square, XaghraFor more info: Xaghra Local Council, Tel. 2156 3737, [email protected]

Carnival in Zebbug Pjazza l-Assunta, ZebbugFor more info: Zebbug Local Council, Tel. 2156 3056 / 2756 3056.

10 Entertainment by Live Band Carnival Enclosure, Independence Sqr, VictoriaFor more info: Gozo Cultural Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

Carnival in Xaghra Victory Square, XaghraFor more info: Xaghra Local Council, Tel. 2156 3737, [email protected]

Carnival Show Carnival Enclosure, Independence Sqr, VictoriaWith the participation of school, chil-dren dance companies, adult dance companies, floats, grotesque masks

Just Round The Corner

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Ic –Cena Tas-Sinjur (The Last Supper)Nadur Boys Museum Section Palm Sunday (24th March ) till Good Friday (29th March) Opening Times: Sunday 24: 9am till 12 noon and 3pm till 6pm Monday 25 till Wednesday 27: 6pm till 9pm Thursday 28: 6pm till 11pm Friday 28: 9am till 3pm & 7pm till 10pm

In the run up to Easter, the Last Supper be-comes one of the most iconic images of the

season. The Last Supper, or Ic-Cena tas-Sinjur, is not just a visual display but also a living ex-perience. Visitors can walk up to and around it, smell the food and feel like they are a part of the supper itself. This exhibition is on at the Nadur Boys’ Museum Section.

C Commemoration | E Event | M Music/Concert | F Folklore Event | P Procession | R Religious Event | S Showcase/Exhibition | T Theatre/Film


and local bands.. For more info: Gozo Cultural Office, Tel. 2215 6700.

12 Concluding Carnival Parade Along Republic StreetWith the participation of dance compa-nies, floats, grotesque masks and local bands followed by a carnival show at Independence Square. For more info: Gozo Cultural office, Tel. 2215 6700.

MARCH 2013:

19&20E Conference about Illegal ImmigrationTBAFor more info: Xaghra Local Council, Tel. 2156 3737, [email protected]

22P Feast of Our Lady of SorrowsVarious Villages in Gozo

For more info: Gozo Diocese, Tel. 2155 1211, [email protected]

23R L-Imsallab fi TriqatnaSt Augustine Square & streets of VictoriaFor more info: George Cassar, Tel. 79564401, [email protected]

26-27R Il-FidwaTa’ Blankas Olive Grove, XewkijaRepresentation of the Passion of Christ.W: www.xewkija.gov.mt

28P Good Friday ProcessionMain streets of VictoriaFor more info: St George Parish Of-fice, Tel. 2155637, [email protected]

29P Good Friday ProcessionMain streets of XaghraFor more info: Xaghra Parish Office, Tel. 2155 1042, [email protected]

P Good Friday ProcessionMain streets of NadurFor more info: Nadur Parish Office, Tel. 21551649, [email protected]

P Good Friday ProcessionMain streets of VictoriaFor more info: Cathedral Parish Office, Tel. 21554101, [email protected]

P Good Friday ProcessionMain streets of ZebbugFor more info: Zebbug Parish Office, Tel. 2155 4882

31R Easter ManifestationMain streets of XaghraFor more info: Xaghra Parish Office, Tel. 2155 1042, [email protected]

R Easter ManifestationMain streets of NadurFor more info: Nadur Parish Office, Tel 21551649, [email protected]

R Easter ManifestationMain streets of ZebbugFor more info: Zebbug Parish Office, Tel. 2155 4882

APRIL 2013:

27E Xagħra Day CommemorationTBAFor more info: Xaghra Local Council, Tel. 2156 3737, [email protected]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MGARR - GOZO: 2210 9000 / 2156 1622 / 2155 6016www.gozochannel.com


ADVERTORIALS

DOLPHIN POOLS LTDNow is the time to plan on investing in a better and more enjoyable lifestyle for all the family, whilst enhancing and adding value to your property. Dolphin Pools, our Island's leading swimming pool company, can offer professional guidance, advice and assistance in making your dream come true. Whether you want to install a garden pool, indoor or rooftop pool, which are increasing in popularity, we are there to help you make the right choice at a surprisingly affordable price. Dolphin Pools – for all your pool, spas and sauna requirements, Dolphin Pools Gozo. t: 2156 6990, Malta: 2123 0855 | w: www.dolphinpools.com.mt

FRANK FORMOSA POOLSFrank Formosa has built a reputation on integrity, safety, quality and customer service. Our team has years of experience in turnkey projects, farmhouse and apartment conversions, swimming pool construction, tiling and heating, and we work with you at every stage of the project. With a focus on attention to detail, value engineering, streamlined design and a com-mitment to excellence, we strive to deliver on time and on budget. Frank Formosa Contractor offers his services in both Malta and Gozo. “F.M. House”, Point Street, Zebbug, Gozo.t: 2155 5099 | m: 7955 5099, 7988 8818 | e: [email protected]

IL-KARTELL RESTAURANTSince 1973, Il-Kartell Restaurant has become the venue where friends meet to enjoy fine food and wine. We offer an extensive Mediterranean and Gozitan menu at a reasonable price. Il-Kartell Restaurant, Marina Street, Marsalforn Bay, Gozo. t: 2155 6918 | m: 7900 1965e: [email protected] | w: www.il-kartellrestaurant.com

Missed an issue of Let's Gozo or looking for more information about the magazine?

Head straight to www.letsgozo.com.mt where you can browse past editions, leave comments for the team and find out when the next magazine will be out.

In the meantime, should you have any comments or suggestions we would love to hear them! Email the editorial team on [email protected].

Gotta go to Gozo

gotta go to

fashion - home - food

arkadia Commercial Centre, Victoria - Gozo | www.arkadia.com.mt

Open ALL DAY on Independence Day, 21 September 2011

fashion + home: 9am-7Pm | foodstore: 8am-7:30Pm

oPen on sUndaYs | fashion + home: 10am-1Pm - 4Pm-7Pm | foodstore: 9am-1Pm - 4Pm-7Pm

Character / Spirit / Foundations / Flavours / Calendar / Through the Keyhole

1

SEPT 2011

Issue

ISSUE 1

1THE REBIRTH!let’s Gozo is back

with a bang

Mekren’s

Bakery

The taste

time never forgot

PAGE 32



NOV/DEC

2011

ISSUE 2

THE OASI

FOUNDATION

An oasis away from addiction

Christmas

All Year Round

The art of

crib-making

PAGE 29

Thank you

for the music

An encounter with

Maestro John Galea

Arkadia Commercial Centre, Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo | T: 2210 3000 | W: www.arkadia.com.mt

OPEN ALL DAY UP TO 8PM

MONDAY TO SUNDAY

Christmas Kids Festival

8 - 13 December 2011

A big event for

the kids & family!

More info to follow...

Character / Spirit / Foundations / Flavours / Calendar / Through the Keyh

FOUNDATION

An oasis away from addiction

All Year Round

crib-making

Gotta go to Gozo

gotta go to


arkadia Commercial Centre, Victoria, Gozo | www.arkadia.com.mt

oPen aLL daY

mondaY - sUndaY

UP TO

8PM

fashion + h

ome: 9

am

- 8P

m | food

store: 8am

- 8P

m

Why Gozo loves

The Most

FUN TIME

OF THE YEAR:

THE WONDERFUL

WORLD OF WEAVING

An award-winning formula

PAGE 22

Liquid Gold

Our island’s honey


JAN/FEB

2012

ISSUE 3

Why Gozo loves Why Gozo loves

FUN TIME

OF THE YEAR:

THE WONDERFUL

WORLD OF WEAVING

An award-winning formula


dive LIFE BELOW THE SURFACE OF SCUBA

FARMHOUSE

COOKINGLocally-Cooked Treats

Direct to Your Door

PAGE 35


MAY/JUN

2012

ISSUE 5

OPEN ALL DAY

MONDAY - SUNDAY

UP TO

8PM

Gotta go to Gozo

gotta go to

FASHION - HOME - FOOD

Arkadia Commercial Centre, Victoria, Gozo | www.arkadia.com.mt

OPEN ALL DAY | MONDAY - SUNDAY | up to 8PM | Fashion + Home: 9AM - 8PM | Foodstore: 8AM - 8PMOP

EN

ALL

DAY

ON

PU

BLI

C H

OLI

DAY

S

7JUNE

THURSDAY

29JUNE

FRIDAY

The Start of

SummerGozo’s Non-Stop

Calendar of Events

right in dive LIFE BELOW THE SURFACE OF SCUBA

Character / Spirit / Foundations / Flavours / Calendar / Through the Keyhole right in dive right in dive

How Gozo is attracting

visitors from the sea

SEEING GOZO

DIFFERENTLY

Life Aboard the Barbarossa

PAGE 30


JUL/AUG

2012

ISSUE 6

Gharb’s Infiorata One bloomingly-

beautiful tradition

Gotta go to Gozo

gotta go to


arkadia Commercial Centre, Victoria, Gozo | www.arkadia.com.mt

oPen aLL daY

mondaY - sUndaYUP TO

8PM

fash

ion

+ h

ome:

9am

- 8P

m |

foo

dst

ore:

8am

- 8P

m

THROUGH

LifeCruising

How Gozo is attracting

visitors from the sea


THROUGHTHROUGH

LifeTHROUGHTHROUGHCruisingCruisingTHROUGHCruisingTHROUGHTHROUGHCruisingTHROUGH

CLIMBING

Ta’ Kenuna Tower GONE

FISHING!PAGE 18


SEP/OCT

2012

ISSUE 7

OPERAtion

Nation The launch of the

island’s opera season

SSSSSSh...

Stunning Gozo

!

Small and beautiful as it is, Gozo cannot be seen in just one day.

As a place to relax, ‘hang out’ and live the good life the island is unsurpassed.

After you set foot on Gozo, you’ll know why you need more than just a day to savour it’s

leisurely charms. The more you enjoy your visit to Gozo, the more likely you are to return,

and to recommend the island to others.

If you are intrigued by this beautiful island’s ability to create ‘Gozo fanatics’ like ourselves,

then plan a visit. We always stay for more than just a day. It’s the secret hideaway of all

Maltese. Which is why we would prefer to leave it undiscovered by you. But it’s in our

nature to share the best we have with visitors.

Life at Sea

NEXT ISSUEOUT WITH THE SUNDAY

TIMES ON 20 APRILAs the sunshine peers through

cracks in the clouds, we are looking forward to heading out into the

countryside and making the most of the lush landscape that will prevail

over the next few weeks. With that in mind, join us in our next

issue for lovely long walks through the countryside and plenty of

appreciation for the great outdoors!

PHO

TOS:

GEO

RGE

SAG

UN

A

COMPETITION

Following on from our successful competitions in past issues, this edition it’s time for you to put your mark on Let’s Gozo, with your photographs. This issue's theme is the Gozitan countryside, so join in and start snapping! Prizes are also up for grabs for the winners, including Gozo wine, restaurant vouchers and over-night stays.

Visit letsgozo.com.mt for details, or submit your outdoor-focused pictures to [email protected]. Kindly include details about where your picture was taken, and submit by the deadline 01 MARCH 2013.

Please note that only pictures related to the theme will be considered. We will be uploading the winning pictures to letsgozo.com.mt.

Winners of the latest Let's Gozo competitions

2012 Winners:May/June: Rainy Day in Gozo by Joe Zammit,

Spring in Gozo by Christine Farrugia

July/August: Beach Life by Mikaela Galea

September/October: Festa Time by Victor B. Caruana

November/December: Autumn in Gozo by Joseph Zammit

Christmas in Gozo

by Josette Baldacchino


01

07

02

04

05 06

03

09

02Eco Christmas tree:An Eco Christmas tree made up of more than 6,000 recycled plastic bottles set up by the Teen Spirit youth group in Xaghra

03Worker of the Year Award Winner 2012:Premju Haddiem tas-Sena fit-Turizmu Ghawdex 2012 award winner, Joseph Tabone

04Worker of the Year Award Winner 2012:The seven nominees for the award.

05Voci Angeliche Choir:The Voci Angeliche Choir of the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin of Xaghra performing during the Puer Natus Est Concert on 28 December.

06San Lawrenz Pagaent:The small community of San Lawrenz reliving the greatest story ever told during the unique ‘Twieled fi Djarna’.

07Claudia Tabone in Concert:Soprano Claudia Tabone and Harpist Jacob Portelli in a Christmas concert in San Lawrenz.

08La Cavalcata Dei Re Magi:Held for the fourth consecutive year in Xaghra, this was a short reenactment including the Holy Family, shepherds and Three Kings.

09Live Crib:A scene from the 2012 live crib organised by the Guiding Light Group in Xaghra.

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

01 | Neapolitan PresepioA Neapolitan crib by Raymond Bonello and Paul Stellini, with figures sculpted by Maestri Gambardella of Naples, was exhibited in the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin in Xaghra.

Phot

os: (

1,2)

Ant

hony

Gre

ch (

3,4)

Kar

l Gre

ch (

7) N

oel F

orm

osa

(9)

Jaso

n Jo

e Fa

rrug

ia (

5,8)

Law

renc

e Ca

mill

eri (

6) Jo

seph

Zam

mit

08

Victor J. Borg Enterprises

Welcome to

SAINT

PATRICK’SH O T E L

Just 3 metres from the clear blue sea right in the middle of

charming little Xlendi bay


W www.vjborg.com

Xlendi, Island of Gozo, Malta

Be surrounded by tranquillity, immersed in nature and embraced by relaxation

A 300 year old farmhouse converted into a hotel, with today’s modern comforts

T 22191000 E [email protected] W www.tacenc.com

Sannat, Island of Gozo, Malta


W www.cornucopiahotel.com

Xaghra, Island of Gozo, Malta

SSSSSSh... Stunning Gozo!

Small and beautiful as it is, Gozo cannot be seen in just one day.

As a place to relax, ‘hang out’ and live the good life the island is unsurpassed. After you set foot on Gozo, you’ll know why you need more than just a day to savour it’s leisurely charms. The more you enjoy your visit to Gozo, the more likely you are to return, and to recommend the island to others.

If you are intrigued by this beautiful island’s ability to create ‘Gozo fanatics’ like ourselves, then plan a visit. We always stay for more than just a day. It’s the secret hideaway of all Maltese. Which is why we would prefer to leave it undiscovered by you. But it’s in our nature to share the best we have with visitors.

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