Here are the highlights for the month of October. Another jam-packed month full of places to go, shows to see and things to do. Below are some of our recommendations to keep you entertained:
5 – 8 October: Mdina Grand Prix Classic Car Event
For this annual event, the charming streets of the usually-silent Mdina come to life with the roads surrounding Malta’s former capital turning into a classic car circuit. The imposing bastions of the fortified noble city are the background of this entertaining event which brings together a vast array of classic sports classic and sleek contemporary vehicles.
7 October: Notte Bianca
Malta’s capital city Valletta is home to the annual Notte Bianca event, during which the city’s envious amount of palaces, museums and other historical sites are open till late with special discounts on entry. The streets come to life with an array of activities and events, ranging from exhibitions to theatrical performances and live music. The city’s bars and restaurants overflow with patrons, looking to grab a bite to eat in between activities.
13 – 15 October: Birgu by candlelight
The picturesque town of Birgu (one of Malta’s oldest towns) is quaintly illuminated by candlelight for an evening. The event is a highlight in the calendar of the home-proud people of the town who go out of their way to ensure that the old maritime town looks its very best. Birgu’s noble history is showcased through historical re-enactments and the opening of its museum and churches until late. The local restaurants and cafes also open until late, while bands march through the streets. In order to highlight the town’s picturesque beauty the harbour lights are turned off for the night and replaced by thousands of lit candles which make for a sublime atmosphere. Food stalls, restaurnats and bands
19 October: Rolex Middle Sea Race
October is also time for the annual Rolex Middle Sea Race, with this year marking the 32nd anniversary of this prestigious event, which sees some 70 cruisers embark from Valletta’s Grand Harbour to a 600-sea-mile journey. The vessels sail past the Strait of Messina along Sicily’s eastern coast of Sicily, heading for Stromboli, Favignana and Pantelleria prior to making their way back to Malta, through Lampedusa.