Summer Gozo Events 2020

Visiting the island of Gozo, Malta this summer?

Well, check out some of the events happening throughout the island this summer period from July till September 2020.

 

 

Every Monday in Marsalforn Bay

 

 

Every Tuesday in St. George Square, Victoria

 

 

Every Wednesday in Qala main square

 

 

Every Thursday in Xaghra main square

 

 

Every Friday in Mgarr harbour

 

Every Saturday @ Xlendi Bay

 

 

Xlendi Sunset Festival – 18 July 2020

 

 

Hondoq by Night Live Concert – 25 July 2020

 

 

Dusk till Dawn @ Hondoq Bay – 31 July

 

 

D Capitals Big Band @ Cittadella – 1 August 2020

 

 

Sax under the Stars IV @ Xwejni Salt Pans – 8 August 2020

 

Gozo Traditional Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition @ Villa Rundle, Victoria – 14 – 15 August 2020

 

Summerfest 2020 @ Dahlet Qorrot bay – Friday 21 – Sunday 23 August 2020

 

Gozo Film Festival 2020 @ Cittadella – Friday 21 – Sunday 23 August 2020

 

 

 

Summer in the Square @ Xewkija main square – various events in August 2020

 

 

Christmas In Gozo 2018 – Malta Holidays Top 10 Things To Do

Christmas in Gozo 2018 - Malta holidays

Christmas in Gozo 2018 is a very special time of the year. Just imagine an entire five weeks of non stop activities and events on the island of Gozo, Malta. Check out our top 10 things to do and see during your Malta holidays this Christmas.  All activities and events mentioned are entrance free.

 

1. Gozo Christmas Village

Ghajnsielem – between Sunday 9 December 2018 and Sunday 6 January 2019

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo 2018

Gozo Christmas Village or as it is popularly known as Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem opens on Sunday 9 December 2018 at 3.30pm and remains open until Sunday 6  January 2019 8.00pm.

The Nativity Village takes place in an area locally known as ‘Ta’ Passi’. It is just a stone’s throw from the main centre of the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo, Malta. The whole animated village is spread over a 20,000sqm of land and through various combined works of the local council and volunteers, the first Christmas village is created to provide a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

For full details, please click here.

 

2. Christmas Market at Villa Rundle

Victoria – various dates and times below

Christmas market at Villa Rundle Victoria, Gozo

While visiting Gozo’s capital, Victoria, it is just a 3 minutes walk from the bus station to the beautiful Villa Rundle Gardens. A lovely Christmas market is set up on selected dates between the 2nd and the 23rd of December for Gozo’s Christmas Market.

During Christmas in Gozo 2018 festivities, the gardens will be transformed into a magical experience featuring stalls from all over Gozo having different artisan Christmas products, food and services on offer.

 

3. Christmas Concert at St. George’s Basilica

Victoria – Sunday 16 December 8.00pm

Christmas Concert St George basilica Gozo

The annual Christmas concert organised by Chorus Urbanus Productions has now been in production for almost a quarter of a century. It established itself as one of the traditional Christmas events here in Gozo. The concert offers a moment of entertainment for the whole family to share with us during this festive season. Chorus Urbanus Juniors and Chorus Urbanus, along with Urbanus Festive Orchestra, under the direction of Dr John Galea, always indulge the festive character with the local artists, musicians and voices that make this concert a formidable experience for all Gozitans during the Christmas period.

 

4. Oh Silent Night – 50th Edition of the Christmas Pageant

San Lawrenz – Sunday 23 December 6.00pm

Christmas pageant San Lawrenz Gozo

This Pageant narrates the story of Salvation, from Creation to the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. In this Pageant almost half the population of the village of San Lawrenz takes part and is performed in the main roads and residential homes. Actors in Biblical costumes will narrate the greatest story ever told. Finally, in the main square a Christmas spectacle will be organised to commemorate its 50 years. This event is organised in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo.

 

5. Christmas Procession and Pageant

Nadur – Monday 24 December 7.00pm

Christmas procession and pagaent Nadur Gozo

A traditional procession with the statuette of Baby Jesus with the participation of children attending the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM, winds through the streets of Nadur accompanied by the Mnarja Band performing traditional Christmas carols. The procession will take the form of a Pageant featuring a number of people representing Biblical figures.

 

6. Pop into Christmas in Gozo 2018 spectacular concert

Victoria – Tuesday 25 December 1.00am in St. George’s Square

Pop into Christmas spectacular concert

A Christmas Concert by DCAPITALS Band, exactly after the Midnight Mass at St George’s Basilica. The concert, which is presented in collaboration with The Grapes Wine Bar and Tepie’s Coffee Bar, will feature all-time Christmas favourites and other pop music with the participation of the band’s resident singers under the direction of Mro George Apap.

 

7. Christmas Concert at Nadur Basilica

Nadur – Tuesday 25 December 7.00pm

Christmas Concert at Nadur Basilica

The Grand Christmas Concert will be held at the Nadur Basilica under the direction of Mro Antoine Theuma. An orchestra, the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM Choir and other established Gozitan singers are going to perform in this concert. The event also features a poetry recital session, a short play and the child’s traditional Christmas sermon.

 

8. Xaghra Cribs By Night

Xaghra – Saturday 29 December 3.30pm to 8.30pm around the whole town

Gozo Christmas cribs

The Għaqda Milied fix-Xagħra is once more providing the unique opportunity to visit the twenty-five artistic cribs, varying from static to mechanical and a life-size one. This tour takes visitors by minibus around the town. An experienced guide will accompany the group with a running commentary in both English and Maltese. It will visit the Xagħra Basilica, beautifully decorated for Christmas, including an artistic bambino in papier-mache made in Lecce, Italy by Profs Luigi Guacci.

Transport by minibus will leave from Mġarr Terminal at 3:00pm for any Maltese visitors arriving with the 2:15pm ferry. For those joining us from Gozo a minibus will pick them up from the area near Xagħra Windmillat 3:20pm. At the end of the activity, our Maltese visitors will be taken back to the Mġarr terminal in time to catch the 8:45pm ferry. While entrance is free of charge, a contribution of €6.50 to cover transport and guide services is kindly requested. Due to limits in accommodation, booking is on a first come first served basis.

For reservation kindly contact 79205316 or e-mail to [email protected]. Booking closes on the 20th of December.

 

9. Gozo New Year’s Eve 2019 Celebrations

Victoria – Monday 31 December 2018 9.30pm at Independence Square & St. George’s Square

Gozo New Years Eve 2019

The event will be bigger, better and spectacular, like never before. Gozo surely has to be THE destination to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome the new year 2019.

The event will feature The TravellersGianni Zammit : My Page & The Crosswalk Gang, Wobis Duo and Top International Guest Jonas Blue. Entrance is FREE!

Surely an event not to be missed!

 

10. Adoration of the Magi

Xaghra – Sunday 6 January 2019  10.30 – 11.00am

Ghajnsielem – Sunday afternoon 6 January 2019

Adoration of the Magi Xaghra Gozo

“La Cavalcata dei Re Magi” – The Arrival of the Three Kings
Post (Venue): Victory Square, Xagħra

This activity will be held on the solemnity of the feast of the Epiphany. During this event the Holy Family will make their way to the parvisfollowed by five shepherds who pay homage to Baby Jesus. The Three Wise Men, in oriental Biblical outfits, arrive on horseback accompanied by servants carrying the Three Biblical presents – gold, incense and myrrh. The re-enactment will be organised by the Għaqda Il-Milied fix-Xagħra with the collaboration of the Xagħra Historical Re-Enactment Organisation, Xagħra Parish and the Xagħra Local Council.

 

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo

Il-Wasla tas-Slaten Maġi
Adoration of the Magi
Post (Venue): Ta’ Passi Mġarr Road, Għajnsielem

Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem will close with the “Adoration of the Magi” on Sunday 6th January. The Three Kings will depart on horseback from a yet-to-be announced destination in Europe on the 2nd of January with the journey continuing on the Feast of the Epiphany when on Sunday morning they will depart from a village in Malta before crossing the ferry and make the triumphal entrance in the Nativity Village late in the afternoon to pay homage to the Baby Jesus. More details on facebook.com/bethlehem.f.ghajnsielem

 

Courtesy: Christmas in Gozo Facebook Page

Gozo Christmas Village – Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem 2018

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo 2018

 

Christmas Village - Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem, Gozo Malta

Gozo Christmas Village or as it is popularly known as Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem opens on Sunday 9 December 2018 at 3.30pm and remains open until Sunday 6  January 2019 8.00pm.

This is the tenth edition of one of Malta’s main attractions during the Christmas holidays.  The ‘holy’ family in the above official poster is Joseph Azzopardi, Melanie Azzopardi and baby Thea.

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo 2018

Location

Gozo Christmas village

The Nativity Village takes place in an area locally known as ‘Ta’ Passi’. It is just a stone’s throw from the main centre of the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo, Malta. The whole animated village is spread over a 20,000sqm of land and through various combined works of the local council and volunteers, the first Christmas village is created to provide a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

Hospitality

All visitors upon arrival at the Gozo Christmas village will receive a map illustrating all the traditional and new Christmas village attractions to visit and a children’s quiz booklet. Entrance is free.

Gozo Christmas village official map - Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo

 

Attractions

Some of the primary attractions include

  • the main grotto with a local family dressed as Mary and Joseph with their new born as baby Jesus
  • Bethelehem Inn
  • bakery
  • blacksmith
  • wine tavern
  • the fisherman’s port
  • a suspended rope bridge
  • cabin
  • shepherds’ cave
  • room of scents
  • local crafts
  • Roman garrison
  • eatery
  • open air market
  • Roman arena
  • animal farm
  • farmers’ store
  • village houses
  • water mill
  • water wheel
  • panoramic point

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo 2018

Traditional food

Visitors to this year’s edition can enjoy some of the traditional food including Maltese bread and buns, the local pizza like known as ftira, honey rings and traditional coffee and Gozo wine.

Gozo bread dough

Gozo bread

Gozo Christmas village - honey rings

Epiphany visit

The Christmas village comes to a wonderful end with the arrival of the Three Kings on horseback on Epiphany Sunday afternoon 6 January 2019.

Christmas village Gozo

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem near Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo

Re-enactment time schedule

December 2018

Sunday, 9th December 3.30pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday, 12th December 9.30am – 12.00pm (animated by school children)

Thursday, 13th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday, 15th December 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Sunday, 16th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday, 22nd December 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Sunday 23rd December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Tuesday 25th December 3.30pm – 8.00pm

Wednesday 26th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Friday, 28th December 4.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday, 29th December 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Sunday 30th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

 

January 2019

Tuesday, 1st January 3.30pm – 8.00pm

Saturday, 5th January Activity Magi in Malta

Sunday, 6th January 2.00pm – 8.00pm.

 

How to get here

From Valletta bus station, take bus #41 or #42 direction to Cirkewwa ferry terminal from where you get the next ferry to Mgarr ferry terminal. Once arrived in Gozo, it is just 10 to 15 minutes walk up to the Gozo Christmas village. At the exit of the terminal, you can also take bus #301, #303 or #323 and stop at the bus stop Chambrai on the Mgarr Road or proceed to the next bus stop Ghajnsielem in the very centre of the village of Ghajnsielem.

From the Mgarr ferry terminal it is just 10 to 15 minutes walk up Shore street and turning left to Mgarr road.

You can also take bus #301, #303 or #323 and stop at bus stop Chambrai.

The Christmas village is just across… on the same side you’ll see the big church of Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem.

From Victoria bus station it is 10 to 25 minutes bus ride. You can take bus #301, #303 or #323 and stop at bus stop Ghajnsielem in the village square or on Mgarr road by stopping at the bus stop Chambrai.

From Gozo Holiday Home it is just 10 to 12 minutes walk or 3 minutes by bus #303 to bus stop Ghajnsielem in the very centre of Ghajnsielem village or 5 minutes bike ride by our free new bicycles.

 

Courtesy: Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Facebook Page

New Year’s Eve on Gozo

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo 2017

New Year’s Eve is celebrated in all the towns and villages dotting the island of Gozo landscape.

If you plan to stay out with family and friends, day temperature is expected to be around 18 degrees Celsius falling to 14 degrees Celsius at night. No showers are expected.

Early afternoon on New Year’s Eve between 2.30pm and 6.00pm, the live animation at Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Christmas village will take place once more. Then, on 1 January, New Year’s Day, animation will be between 3.30pm and 8.00pm. The venue is just 10 to 15 minutes walk from the Mgarr harbour.

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo 2017

 

Another place worth visiting on New Year’s Eve is certainly the live crib named In Praesepio which takes place in the nearby village of Nadur. Live animation will take place between 4.00pm and 7.30pm on New Year’s Eve and again between 4.00pm and 7.30pm on New Year’s Day. Public transport from Mgarr harbour to Nadur centre by bus #303 and #322.

Inpraesepio Chrismtas in Gozo facebook

 

The main event on New Year’s Eve will once again takes place in Independence Square and St George Square in the very centre of capital Victoria. Some of the bands and DJs in this year’s concert will include The New Victorians, JJoy and Friends Live. It will start at 10pm.

Victoria is easily reached from Mgarr harbour by public transport #301, #303 and #323.

New Years Eve Gozo

Wish you a truly wonderful New Year 2018 filled with peace, love and harmony!

 

Happy New Year from holidaysongozo.com

Christmas in Gozo 2017

Christmas Village Gozo

Christmas village in Gozo

Christmas is a highly celebrated festivity in Malta and Gozo, both for its religious significance a well as in its more social aspect. The season is celebrated to its fullest on the Maltese Islands, with the active participation of many; Nativity scenes, displays of cribs, carol services and other events are organised in each locality.

Christmas in Gozo Malta

Christmas street decorations. For a very special, spiritual evening, join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing. Other Baroque parish churches across the Islands are just as awe-inspiring during advent. Their interiors are decked out in papal crimson and altars are adorned with flowers. All churches have a calendar of events, ranging from the procession of Mary and Joseph, to streets with groups of children carol singing.

Christmas Crib Gozo Malta

Cribs are positively everywhere, from private houses to small chapels. Visiting cribs is a popular activity at Christmastime and many locals spend time going round touring the various ‘presepju’ displays. Some are very artistic and elaborate, with figures moving around mechanically and a degree of detail that comes from hours of meticulous work by dedicated craftsmen.

Christmas time in Gozo

A Christmas highlight, which is popular for children and adults alike, is the annual pantomime held at the Manoel Theatre and at other venues. It’s a happy mix of good slapstick humour for children and satire for adults.

Chrismtas - Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem

Restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs all have their own entertainment, making for an abundant choice of what to do and see.

Courtesy: visitmalta.com

Christmas in Gozo

On the island of Gozo, special carol singing, Baby Jesus processions by children, concerts and Christmas decor are spread all across the small villages and towns.  In the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem, next to Mgarr fishing hamlet and main harbour of the island, one finds the largest animated Christmas village on the Maltese islands.  It is locally known as Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem.  Definitely a must visit place while on Gozo!  This year’s edition opens on the 10 December 2017 and closes on the 7th January 2017 with the arrival of the Three Kings on horseback.

Gozo honey rings

Please click to see the entire programme of Christmas in Gozo 2017.

Christmas in Gozo

Gozo Half Marathon 2017

Gozo Half Marathon, Malta

Gozo Half Marathon, Malta

This year’s edition of the Gozo Half Marathon is to be held on Sunday 30 April 2017. All races start at 9.15am from Xaghra square. All races finish at Xaghra square too.  After all of your hard work, you’ll be congratulated by dozen of volunteers, receive your medal, and enjoy some free water, fruits and energy.

A few minutes drive from the start line, at HolidaysonGozo.com we provide you with free transfers to and from our accommodation and from and to the marathon start line.  Every year, we also provide any other assistance needed prior to the race including application forms, personalised medical support and any necessary equipment during and afterwards.  For no extra cost, we can also arrange any airport transfers at very reasonable prices for a completely hassle free holiday.  This way, before and as soon as you arrive at Malta International Airport, you completely focus on yourself, your fitness level and the race itself.

For any quick accommodation reservations in our sea view and self catering luxury accommodations, please kindly email us now on [email protected] or kindly click here

Gozo Half Marathon Route 2017

Gozo’s Gaulitana Festival of Music

Madama Butterfly Gaulitanus 2017

Madama Butterfly Gaulitanus 2017

Gaulitanus Choir’s 11th edition of Gaulitana: A Festival of Music will run from the 25th of February until the 2nd of April, 2017, the festival will feature a varied programme of events to suit everyone’s taste.

The highlight will be Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, being held at the Aurora Theatre, Victoria, Gozo, on Saturday, the 1st of April, at 7.30pm. The full-scale production will present Malta’s internationally acclaimed soprano Miriam Gauci in the lead role.

Colin Attard will direct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir. The opera night will be part of the OPERA+ Weekend – an intensive programme of events concluding the festival.

The upcoming edition will present a number of innovative features. Alexander Frey, a top international versatile musician defined by Leonard Berstein as “a wonderful spirit” will be Artist-In-Residence. Lunchtime concerts intended particularly for civil servants and a number of talks will be incorporated in the festival schedule.

Gaulitana will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold, defined by Puccini as the “greatest hope of German music” and regarded as one of the founders of film music.

Following on last year’s successful venture, the festival will offer once again an Educational Programme including #Opera4me.

Booking for Madama Butterfly is open, directly online on www.teatruaurora.com or via ticket helpline 79045779.

Courtesy: Gozo News

Christmas Village Gozo – Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem

Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2016 map

Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2016 map
Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem – Christmas Viilage on Gozo 2016 map

The preparations are in full swing for the opening of the 8th edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem. Work is taking place both on site at Ta’ Passi fields and behind the scenes with several promotional campaigns and the publishing of informational material.

The Nativity Village is being opened on Sunday, the 11th of December by the Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat at 3.30pm. The ceremony will start with a Christmas concert by St Joseph band at 2.15pm in front of the main entrance.

The organisers said that this year the focus has been in strengthening the visitor’s experience. The Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem map shows a Roman Garrison stationed in Fort Chambray (which is being turned into a Roman Fort). The general public will be invited to visit the area and even join the army to play traditional games. Meanwhile the Roman Garrison will also be patrolling the streets of Bethlehem, collecting taxes and taking the census as decreed by the Emperor, Senate and the people of Rome.

While several panoramic hotpots are being promoted for the phonographic enthusiasts. The secondary entrance from Mgarr Road has been widened to allow better flow of people entering and exiting the nativity village.

Book reading sessions for the young children will take place and several professional actors are expected to take part.

For the first time, the organisers are also opening the acting to anyone/any family who wants to be an actor for a day in Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem. This would be a unique lifetime experience. To apply please click here.

Once again there will be several attractions including the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, an open-air market selling seasonal fruits, fish and a wide selection of vegetables, a local crafts area promoting traditional skills and folklore, a tavern, a farmhouse with panoramic roof and the Bethlehem Inn.

Children will have the opportunity to learn about Maltese folklore or try several ‘hands-on’ tools while families can enjoy the unique surroundings of the Maltese countryside or try some local savoury.

Visitors can also cross a rope bridge to take a trip along the river on a Maltese boat. The main attraction certainly remains the grotto, with baby Jesus in the caring hands of Mary assisted by Joseph with a donkey and a cow close by.

Courtesy: gozonews.com

Christmas In Gozo 2016 Programme

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem Gozo

Christmas Village Gozo

Christmas is a highly celebrated festivity in Malta and Gozo, both for its religious significance a well as in its more social aspect. The season is celebrated to its fullest on the Maltese Islands, with the active participation of many; Nativity scenes, displays of cribs, carol services and other events are organised in each locality.

Christmas street decorations. For a very special, spiritual evening, join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing. Other Baroque parish churches across the Islands are just as awe-inspiring during advent. Their interiors are decked out in papal crimson and altars are adorned with flowers. All churches have a calendar of events, ranging from the procession of Mary and Joseph, to streets with groups of children carol singing.

Cribs are positively everywhere, from private houses to small chapels. Visiting cribs is a popular activity at Christmastime and many locals spend time going round touring the various ‘presepju’ displays. Some are very artistic and elaborate, with figures moving around mechanically and a degree of detail that comes from hours of meticulous work by dedicated craftsmen.

A Christmas highlight, which is popular for children and adults alike, is the annual pantomime held at the Manoel Theatre and at other venues. It’s a happy mix of good slapstick humour for children and satire for adults.

Restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs all have their own entertainment, making for an abundant choice of what to do and see.

Courtesy: visitmalta.com

On the island of Gozo, special carol singing, Baby Jesus processions by children, concerts and Christmas decor are spread all across the small villages and towns.  In the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem, next to Mgarr fishing hamlet and main harbour of the island, one finds the largest animated Christmas village on the Maltese islands.  It is locally known as Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem.  Definitely a must visit place while on Gozo!  This year’s edition opens on the 11 December 2016 and closes on the 8th January 2017 with the arrival of the Three Kings on horseback.

Please click to see the entire programme of Christmas in Gozo 2016.

Festival Mediterranea on Gozo

Giuseppe Verdi's Aida at Astra Theatre Gozo, Malta

Festival Mediterranea 2016 Gozo

Dates: between 17 October 2016 and 19 November 2016

This is an annual celebration of culture let off at the very heart of the Mediterranean, on the history laden island of Gozo.

Mythology has it that the charm of this island aided the most beautiful nymph Calypso to halt Ulysses on his journeys and hair-raising quests, to lull him, lure him away from his travels for seven mystical years. Today, Gozo’s charm seeks to lure its visitors into a kaleidoscope of events, a celebration at that time of year that is in itself magical in this part of the world. Through Festival Mediterranea’s diverse events, visitors will embark on their very own cultural adventure surfing through the island’s seven thousand years of known history.

The festival uncovers the island in all its aspects, without eliminating the thrills of exploration and discovery. Festival Mediterranea offers all that Gozo boasts of in the cultural and artistic arena. Opera. Classical and symphonic music. A wealth of archaeology and history that is Gozo’s heritage. Folklore and cuisine. The creativity of the Gozitan people who are islanders, a true and genuine people … as are their products. And the backdrop to this festival is Gozo’s sheer, natural beauty in warm autumn, October and November.

Festival Mediterranea unveils Gozo as a mosaic of Mediterranean civilisation, heritage and art. It is indeed a showpiece of a hundred things our own, an opportunity for a break from the routine of conventional life; a chance to immerse oneself in the mellow world of Gozo’s autumn, and explore and live the cultural tradition of its 7000 years of history.

Live the Mediterranean.

…celebrating 7000 years of culture on Gozo.

Click here to download the programme of events: 

Courtesy: http://www.mediterranea.com.mt/