Monthly Archives: April 2014

The Malta International Fireworks Festival

Tomorrow, the 30th April 2014 is the last day of this year’s edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival.

Fireworks Festival Malta

A number of Maltese and foreign fireworks factories will be participating in this competitive event, presenting spectacular pyrotechnic displays synchronised to music. The festival forms part of the anniversary celebrations of Malta’s accession to the European Union as it coincides with 10 years since Malta joined the European Union.

Tradition of Fireworks in Malta
Fireworks in Malta have a long tradition which goes back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St. John. The feu de joie using gun salutes, the musketterija firing of muskets, the solfarelli d’aria, St. Catherine’s wheels (irdieden) and other forms of fireworks originated from explosives that were lit off from mortars (maskli) as an expression of rejoicing. Special occasions when such festivities were held were: The election of a Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John; the election of a Pope who was the overall protector and ruler of the Order; the birth of a prince from a friendly European state or else to mark an important victory over the Ottoman military might.

Fireworks developed into a craft when the Maltese started to celebrate the events connected to their British rulers in the 19th and 20th centuries. This centuries-old tradition is still very much alive in the crowded calendar of village festas that take place all over Malta and Gozo, especially in the summer months.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers you great insight on things to do in Malta. Visit the website of this superior 5 star hotel in Malta and stay updated with events taking place around Malta.

For more details about this event kindly visit: http://www.maltafireworksfestival.com.

Experience Medieval Mdina

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An age of chivalry

mdina

Mdina was inhabited and possibly first fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BCE. Phoenicians called it Maleth. The region benefits from its strategic location on one of the island’s highest points and at maximum distance from the sea. Under the Roman Empire, Malta became a Municipium and the Roman Governor built his palace in Mdina. Tradition holds that the Apostle St. Paul resided in the city after his historical shipwreck on the islands. Much of its present architecture reflects the Fatimid Period which began in 999 AD until the Norman conquest of Malta in 1091 AD. The Normans surrounded the city with thick defensive fortifications and widened the moat. The city was also separated it from its nearest town, Rabat.

Malta passed to the Order of Knights of the Hospitallier of St John of Jerusalem in 1530 AD. Mdina hosted the public ceremony in which each Grand Master swore an oath to protect the Maltese Islands and the rights of his subjects. A strong earthquake in 1693 AD led to the introduction of Baroque design within the cityscape. The Knights of Malta rebuilt the cathedral, to the designs of Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. Palazzo Falzon, the Magisterial Palace and major restoration works are other projects undertaken by the Knights.

Another great Event in Malta – the Mdina Festival

the-medieval-mdina-festival 2

The Medieval Mdina Festival will be organised for the fifth consecutive year in the streets of Mdina. The Festival will be held between the 3rd and 4th May 2014. During this two day event there will be re-enactments by foreign and local groups, Medieval Music, Sbandieratori, Illusionist, Jester, Falconry and birds of prey, Lectures, Concerts, Food & Drinks, Medieval Market, Medieval Kitchen and Children’s Area.

The popularity of this Festival is evident from the number of visitors in previous years. The request from a good number of foreigners and Travel Agents proves that this festival is now popular as well with foreign enthusiasts. Some Tour Operators also advertise the Festival in their brochures. During the Festival the participants will perform all day long in various corners and squares of Mdina. Exhibits will include battles, skirmishes, re-enactments of scenes from the Medieval Period,
like the Town Crier, a Slave Market, a re-enactment of a Medieval Kitchen, Sword Fighting, Archery, Medieval Tavern, Magic Shows, Live Music, Birds of Prey flights, Parades, Flag Throwing shows, and spontaneous re-enactments.

The festival serves as a cultural exchange between local talents and foreign groups, disseminating the cultural heritage of the Medieval Times. It is also a good educational exercise to teach both children and adults the history of the City of Mdina. During the festival all the Tourist Attractions extend their opening hours and offer special reduced prices. Food and drinks will be in abundance during the Festival and a good number of outlets will offer medieval food on in their menus during those days.

As it is the smallest Local Council on the Island, the Mdina Local Council requires a lot of support to organise such a significant event. Indeed the festival is supported by a number of Goverment Departments; residents and the local Business Community, particularly the SMEs present in Mdina.This assistance takes several forms, ranging from advertising to direct participation. Indeed, some companies set up stands exhibiting their products, and are directly involved in exchanges with similar international exhibitors. This gives the festival another dimension, that of a promoter for exchange of ideas amongst other business communities.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers you great insight on things to do in Malta. Visit the website of this superior 5 star hotel in Malta and stay updated with events taking place around Malta.

Photos courtesy of www.viewingmalta.com.

Tips for a Glowing and Healthy Skin

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A lot of money is being spent on purchasing cosmetics and products that promise to make you feel better. However, nutritionists keep on preaching that you are what you eat. Some experts in the field advise that to get glowing skin and a clear complexion you need to incorporate some great foods in your diet…

1. Oily Fish Like salmon or tuna
Eating fish provides your body with biotin, a B vitamin that produces fatty acids and metabolizes amino acids (the building blocks of protein). On the other hand a deficiency of biotin can cause scaly skin.

2. Chia seeds
Omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish, chia seeds and walnuts help maintain cell membranes by protecting the skin and providing it with moisture.

3. Sweet potatoes
Filling your meals with colorful fruits and vegetables provides your body with lots of water, and thus keep your skin and other cells adequately hydrated. In fact a diet rich in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach has proven to enhance skin color and appearance by increasing its yellowness and redness.

4. Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E and thus can also help you maintain healthy skin.

5. Sunflower seeds
These little seeds provide an excellent source of vitamin E and help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals in the environment and in the body.

6. Complex carbohydrates
Processed foods such as pasta, white rice and also white flour can increase inflammation and cause acne flair-ups. In your daily diet replace pasta, white bread and white rice with complex carbohydrates such as barley, quinoa and brown rice. These food types are all lower on the glycemic index.

7. Orange juice
Although juices are often thought of as high in sugar content and with no main benefit to one’s health, orange juice provides fluids to keep you hydrated and Vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant to protect skin and other cells from damage caused by free radicals in the environment and in the body. Vitamin C also helps create collagen, the body’s main structural protein.

Eating some of these foods will help you look and feel better. Enjoy some extra health and wellness benefits by visiting Le Grand Spa at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta and pamper yourself with one of our spa treatments. Let Our top Malta Spa Team help you enjoy this journey of relaxation and wellness.

If you would like to try some delicious and healthy dishes, visit our restaurants which are claimed to be some of the best restaurants in Malta and enjoy a unique dining experience. This superior 5 star hotel in Malta has so much to offer…

Source: http://inlightapp.com