What’s on Malta? April 2023
April is here and we have an extraordinary line up of events to showcase. Whether you're a music lover, foodie, culture enthusiast, or simply looking for some fun to experience the island's unique charm and warmth, we’ve got you covered. So come and join in the festivities, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories, you won't regret it!
With the arrival of spring, the island is transformed into a lush green paradise, with colourful flowers blooming everywhere you look. The weather is mild and pleasant making it the perfect time to explore the island's outdoor attractions, such as the beautiful beaches and picturesque countryside. The island is less crowded than in peak summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy a more relaxed and authentic experience. Whether you're looking for culture, relaxation, or adventure, April in Malta is a fantastic time to visit.
The Colour Fest
This annual festival offers a wide variety of free activities for all ages, including street art, live music, and interactive crafts. Whether you're looking to try your hand at sand art, take home a reclaimed wooden craft, or simply enjoy the stunning harbour views with a refreshing drink or a delicious meal, Colour Fest has something for everyone. So gather your family and friends and join in the fun this April and May at the Valletta Waterfront.
Malta Artisan Markets Spring Edition
Get ready for a bustling day off at the upcoming Easter edition of the Malta Artisan Markets! Held at the picturesque Phoenicia Malta on Saturday 8th April from 10am to 6pm, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Art Deco hotel and its extensive grounds whilst immersing yourself in the creativity of the local artisans.
It is the perfect pit stop before a trip into the busy capital city. You could also make a whole day out with family or friends, as you will be able to relax on the hotel's beautiful lawn, listening to soft beats by Dj Don Peltinksky and indulging in the delicious food and drinks served by the Phoenicia's fine in house caterers. Entrance is free, the atmosphere is unparalleled, so don't miss out! More info here.
Pasquetta Monday
Easter Monday got a whole lot more interesting this year. Hilton Malta in collaboration with ACICA are organising Pasquetta, an exciting event full of activities for all ages! Live music, food stalls, cooking classes, fitness workouts, beauty and first aid tips, arts and crafts and so much more. A jam packed day that is perfect for the whole family to meet friends and to create memories.
Tickets are selling for €10 per person and all proceeds will be donated to ACICA (Assistance to Children in Care Association) - so let’s all have fun and know it is all for a good cause.
JOON Live at Storeroom
JOON is a talented Maltese songwriter and producer who has taken the electronic music scene by storm with her ethereal vocals and heavenly synths. Her self-directed music videos are inspired by the dream world, mysticism and the supernatural, often drawing inspiration from the tropes of B-movies. Her debut album, Dream Again, was released in July 2021 on the Los Angeles label ‘Italians Do It Better’, featuring padded beats and lyrics set against a backdrop of brooding layers of electronic sound.
Keep your eyes peeled for JOON this year and you can get a close up of her performances live at Storeroom on Saturday 15th April at 9pm which is sure to be an intimate and packed crowd. Grab your tickets for just €7 from Chitzo before they run out…
Board Game Day
We are also featuring an awesome board game day out at the Point Shopping Mall. Board game lovers from all over the island will flock to Sliema to enjoy a wide variety of games including Pandemic, Catan, CLUE (Lies Editions), Uno Flip, Card Against Humanity, Jumanji, Monopoly Deal, Sheriff of Nottingham, Age of War and so many more to choose from.
Organised by board game gurus Play Up Malta, this event is perfect for players of all levels, be it seasoned pros or simply beginners. Guests can choose to play at two different time slots on Saturday 15th April:
Between 10am and 2pm
Between 3pm and 7pm
And with over 20 board games to choose from, you're sure to find something to suit your interests and skill level.
Board games are the perfect way to spend the day with friends or family and meet new people with similar interests.
Festa Frawli
With the arrival of Spring, we also welcome our glorious Strawberry season. Owing to the popularity of the fruit, Malta has its own Strawberry Festival ‘Festa Frawli’ in Mgarr. The annual festival offers a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy the gorgeous Maltese countryside in the springtime.
The festival offers something for everyone, with a variety of food stalls, games, and entertainment. But the star of the show is, of course, the strawberries. You'll find them everywhere, filled in traditional Maltese desserts like Kannoli to refreshing strawberry smoothies. The festival is also a great opportunity to experience the local culture and community. From traditional music and dancing to games and activities for children. It's a chance to connect with the people and traditions that make Malta so unique. And best of all entrance is free!
So mark your calendars for Sunday 16th April for the journey north to Mgarr.
Harri Soinila Live in Malta
We are proud to announce that Finnish comedian Harri Soinila will also be coming to Malta for an exclusive show at Hoppy Hare in Mosta on Friday 21st April.
Soinila’s unique style of dark humour and heart-of-gold observations has made him one of Finland's most internationally successful comedians. In fact his comedy has taken him across the globe from Edinburgh, Casablanca, Rio de Janeiro and of course Tallinn. He’s also performed at several European Comedy Festivals. Interestingly he has also represented Finland at Laugh Factory’s Funniest Person in the World, which is quite some feat.
This will be Harri’s first full English-language solo show and will be covering topics such as Finnishness, drinking, babies and dogs.
Brought to you by local comedy gurus, The Clueless Comedy Collective, this comes highly recommended and is expected to be a sell out crowd. You can grab your tickets for just €15 from Chitzo.
Malta International Fireworks Festival
The Malta International Fireworks Festival is also back at the end of April. A week-long celebration from 24th April to 30th April with a jam packed schedule of events in strategic locations across Malta and Gozo. The festival includes six pyro-musical competitions, pyro-musical exhibitions, and over 60 local firework displays.
The opening and closing of the festival will be at the iconic Grand Harbour in Valletta on Monday 24th and Sunday 30th April respectively which offers the perfect backdrop for the spectacular displays of light and sound. The fireworks display will also be present at the Grand Harbour on Friday 28th April.
The festival will travel south to Haz-Zabbar on Tuesday 25h April where the fireworks will be accompanied by the local band clubs to give audiences a taste of the traditional feast celebrations. The festival will then make its way to St Paul’s Bay on Wednesday 26th April for a special show of unique Catherine wheels showcased by various local factories and associations, before heading to Mellieha on Thursday 27th April for magical harmonies from the local band clubs along with traditional fireworks displays.
On Saturday 29th April, all eyes will turn to Nadur in Gozo. Head to the Belvedere and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view lit up by the exceptional fireworks display. It’s definitely going to be something special.
Whether you're a firework enthusiast or just looking for a fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of Malta, the Malta International Fireworks Festival is not to be missed.
Bullying and Beyond: The Link with Mental Health
Last but not least, we are also featuring ACAMH Malta’s annual conference "Bullying and beyond: the link with mental health", which will be held on 27 and 28th April at the DB San Antonio Hotel.This year's conference is about bullying, a widespread problem that affects many people, especially young people, and which has significant significant impacts on their mental health.
The conference will feature presentations from experts in different fields from criminal justice to cybercrime and gender dysphoria. ACAMH have invited Prof. Lucy Bowes, Dr. Gabriel Ellul, Prof. Stephen Scott, Dr. David Paul Galea and Dr. Nury Gene-Cos to share their knowledge. The aim of the conference is to explore the psychological basis and drivers of bullying and victimisation, providing valuable insights into this important issue. If you want to attend the conference, you can buy your ticket here.
