About Notte Bianca
Organised by Festivals Malta, Notte Bianca is one of Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festivals. For one special night, every first Saturday of October, the Valletta cityscape lights up with a spectacular celebration of the arts that is open to the public free of charge. Valletta’s streets, piazzas, churches, state palaces and museums are transformed into venues for a myriad of live performances and concerts, while many cafés and restaurants extend their opening hours. The entire city of Valletta comes alive for Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.
ALTERNATIVE
Bringing together local favourites in the ethnic scene, the Alternative route presents an epic mashup of rhythms. A fantastic end of summer gathering calling all free spirits to the Laparelli Gardens down under, which will be transformed into a surreal tableau. If you don’t know how to get there simply tag along and follow Trakadum as they lead the way from Pjazza Tritoni.
Projects in this Route: Trakadum, Down to Earth (Featuring: Manatapu, Fakawi and Tribali).
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Projects in this Route: Trakadum, Down to Earth (Featuring: Manatapu, Fakawi and Tribali).
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CLASSICS
A route designed for the love of classical music, set in the perfect environment of our capital’s extraordinary architecture. The Classics route presents a creative take on the classical music genre with a variety of projects that celebrate the great masters.
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Projects in this Route: Barokk Għall-Kwiet, The Valletta Recitals, The Opera Locos, L-Orkestra Għand il-Ġiżwiti, The Three Sopranos.
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DANCE
The natural language of movement takes centre stage along this route. With a variety of projects across various dance disciplines, we celebrate cultures, diversity and rhythm. The Dance route explores cultural similarities and brings people together through interdisciplinary performances.
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Projects in this Route: The Dance Hub, Flamenco Roots, Share-a-Bank, UNight, Allegria.
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KIDS
Designed to entertain the most curious of minds. The projects in this route are fantastical, magical, and above all incredibly fun and mesmerising. Suitable for all the family.
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Projects in this Route: KukkuŻejt, Darbtejn Insiru Tfal, Ġnien Maġiku, Xarabubbles.
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RED
The daring red route will highlight the sultry side of Valletta, with projects that tease your senses through sensual music and adult themes. Parental guidance for this route is advised.
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Projects in this Route: Umberto Porcaro, Pastażuni, Ħoss Kuban!
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KIDS
The Theatrical route has a comic twist with some performances finding their place at the most inconspicuous of venues and others roaming the streets of Valletta with an element of improvisation that is part and parcel of Street Theatre.
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Projects in this Route: Umberto Porcaro, Pastażuni, Ħoss Kuban!
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MUSIC
Probably one of our busiest routes, and presenting a diverse selection of genres, the Music route is a popular favourite. From Jazz to Blues, Country to Classic Maltese songs, Cuban music, Italian favourites, Brass bands, Rock’n Roll and Pop music to mention a few. You are sure to find an act that amuses you. Scattered all over Valletta, the Music route culminates on the mainstage and ends with a bang, with our headlining artists.
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Projects in this Route: Dak Kien Żmien!, Ġejja l-Banda, 4ttro, Il-Festa, Il Mare Minore, Is-City Project, Għadhom f’Qalbna!, Band Tinto Brass, Briju, Skald, Il-Mużika Evergreen, The Two Moons, Country Garden, Tat-Taraġ, Ivan u l-Voca, Versatile Suq, Sterjotipi, Brass Party, Mainstage (Featuring: Matthew James and Friends, Klinsmann, The Kolors).
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ROUTES
ALTERNATIVE
CLASSIC
DANCE
KIDS
RED
THEATRE
MUSIC
ROUTES
01
ALTERNATIVE
Bringing together local favourites, artistic installations, and expressive performances, the Alternative route presents a unique experience for lovers of music, arts and culture. Highlighting this route, is a fantastic end of summer concert at Laparelli, calling all free spirits to join in the fun.
Projects in this Route: Mogħdija Żagħżugħa, Ġmiel Biss, DJ Sheron, Laser Trike – Kemm Jaraw Kbir!, Chasing Sunsets, AHA, Is-Suq tal-Artiġjanat, Rulina, Ejjew Imxu Magħna, Immaġina, Creative Europe Malta, In/Between, Valletta Campus Theatre, Teżori Moħbija, Archbishop’s Palace, The guardian of our financial system, and Palazzo Spinola.
02
CLASSICS
A route designed for the love of classical music, set in the perfect environment of our capital’s extraordinary architecture. The Classics route presents a creative take on the classical music genre with a variety of projects that celebrate the great masters.
Projects in this Route: Transcribed, Malta National Children’s Choir, Din Għalik, St Monica Vocal Ensemble, Opera fil-Pjazza, Il-Kantiku tal-Ħlejjaq, Laudamus, Serata mal-Klassiċi, Il-Marjani, Tota Pulchra, Fiorini Plays Fiorini, Marian Music and Short Reflections, And With Love From Vienna.
03
DANCE
The natural language of movement takes centre stage along this route. With a variety of projects across various dance disciplines, we celebrate cultures, diversity and rhythm. The Dance route explores cultural similarities and brings people together through interdisciplinary performances.
Projects in this Route: Gitgħana, Wish I was 10, It-Triq tal-Valzi, Silhouettes in the Moonlight, Anonim_, Between Spaces, Malta Through the Ages, Aerial by Żfin Malta, and Communication.
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KIDS
Designed to entertain the most curious of minds. The projects in this route are fantastical, magical, and above all incredibly fun and mesmerising. Suitable for all the family.
Projects in this Route: NotteVrumm-Vrumm, Be Our Guest, Trash, and Engaging the Senses.
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THEATRE
The diverse theatrical route includes comedic performances all over Valletta as well as roaming street theatre with performances with an element of improvisation.
Projects in this Route: Ġejjin tal-Palk, Taħt Tliet Tronġiet, Tour Mal-Kuratur, Close Up Magic, Se Nagħmillek Maġic, Il-Pranzu, Il-Kavallieri, Mhux Maġija, and Dejjem ‘il Fuq.
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RED
The daring red route will highlight the sultry side of Valletta, with projects that tease your senses through sensual music and adult themes. Parental guidance for this route is advised.
Projects in this Route: Hot Club, Lelis & Friends, Pastażuni#2, Rock’N Rum, and Dar Id-Dejqa.
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MUSIC
Presenting a diverse selection of genres, the Music route is a popular favourite. From Jazz to Blues, Country to Classic Maltese songs, Cuban music, Italian favourites, Brass bands, Rock’n Roll and Pop music to mention a few. You are sure to find an act that amuses you. Scattered all over Valletta, the Music route culminates on the mainstage and ends with a bang, with our headlining artists.
Projects in this Route: Klinsmann, Brass House Unit, L-Imgħoddi u l-Ġejjieni, L-Orkestra fil-Beraħ, Skald Fuq it-Tila, Tambor Moreno, Eureka, Kris and Friends, Ottomi Animati, Versatile Brass, Mhux Biss Country, Jumpin’ Up, Jessica Grech & Band, Ritmu, Tribut lil Charles ‘City’ Gatt, Raggae Garden, Akustiku Biss, Looping Voices, Main Stage Acts –Aidan, Ivan Grech & Band, Le Vibrazioni
How To Get to Valletta
Public Transport
Malta Public Transport will be operating as usual to Valletta, with some routes being extended till late. For more information, please visit the Malta Public Transport Website.
Private Car
Whist the use of private cars is not recommended during Notte Bianca as parking will be limited, persons making use of private transport can opt to make use of Transport Malta’s Park & Ride services for a smoother experience.
ROUTES
Alternative
Bringing together local favourites, artistic installations, and expressive performances, the Alternative Route presents a unique experience for lovers of music, arts and culture. Highlighting this route, is a fantastic end of summer concert at Laparelli Gardens, calling all free spirits to join in the fun.
Classic
A route designed for the love of classical music, set in the perfect environment of our capital’s extraordinary architecture. The Classic Route presents a creative take on the classical music genre with a variety of projects that celebrate the great masters.
Dance
The natural language of movement takes centre stage along this route. With a variety of projects across various dance disciplines, we celebrate cultures, diversity and rhythm. The Dance Route explores cultural similarities and brings people together through interdisciplinary performances.
Kids
Designed to entertain the most curious of minds. The projects in the Kids Route are fantastical, magical, and above all incredibly fun and mesmerising. Suitable for all the family.
Theatre
The diverse Theatre Route includes comedic performances all over Valletta as well as roaming street theatre with performances with an element of improvisation.
Red
The daring Red Route will highlight the sultry side of Valletta, with projects that tease your senses through sensual music and adult themes. Parental guidance for this route is advised.
Music
Presenting a diverse selection of genres, the Music Route is a popular favourite during Notte Bianca. From jazz to blues, country to classic Maltese songs, rock and pop music to mention a few. Scattered around every corner in Valletta, you are sure to find a performance that amuses you in this route.
FOREWORDS
ANTOINE FARRUGIA
My colleagues call it Notte Bianca, others call it White Night or even Lejl Imdawwal...Nuit Blanche for the French or La Noche en Blanco for our Hispanic friends.... I love to call it Your Night. Your night, because while we create, we focus on you; our dearest audiences. Your expectations, your enjoyment. An accessible event in all forms. A celebration of versatile performing arts. An important showcase for our most talented local artists and an opportunity to enjoy various international productions.
It’s that time of the year again! It’s that time when Festivals Malta proudly announce the return of Notte Bianca with a spectacular programme of over 60 events in various artistic expressions.
I am grateful to you, our loyal audience, who never fail to surprise us with your fantastic participation. I invite you to come to Valletta on the 5th of October to bask in the splendor of the arts – from classical performances to beloved pop hits, from family friendly productions to more raunchy shows for adults only. Dance, installations, street theatre, flash mobs and more. I invite you to plan your night ahead, interact and let us entertain you! You name it, Notte Bianca has it!
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
FRANS AGIUS
Notte Bianca is a unique event in the Festivals Malta cultural portfolio as it includes more than 50 events, all in one night. It is a celebration of the arts, offering different artforms that are presented through unique productions, including visual arts, theatre, dance, music and much more. It is truly a feast for lovers of the arts, but not just. This event attracts people from all walks of life, from events targeted towards young children to help them discover their inner artist, to more vibrant productions for youths, as well as more thought provoking pieces, that appeal to a more mature audience. Notte Bianca is not just for the locals, it also appeals to foreigners who even visit our island specifically for this event to see Valletta in a new light while also experiencing unique state venues which are not normally open to the public. There is truly something for everyone during Notte Bianca.
All in all, Notte Bianca is, and has always been, an event where different people can come together to celebrate our rich culture and diverse local talent, all whilst our capital city transforms into a canvas of colours for one special night. An experience not to be missed.
FESTIVALS MALTA CEO
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MUSIC
Probably one of our busiest routes, and presenting a diverse selection of genres, the Music route is a popular favourite. From Jazz to Blues, Country to Classic Maltese songs, Cuban music, Italian favourites, Brass bands, Rock’n Roll and Pop music to mention a few. You are sure to find an act that amuses you. Scattered all over Valletta, the Music route culminates on the mainstage and ends with a bang, with our headlining artists.
Projects in this Route: Dak Kien Żmien!, Ġejja l-Banda, Qu4ttro, Il-Festa, Il Mare Minore, Is-City Project, Dipinto di Blu, Band Tinto Brass, Briju, Skald, Il-Mużika Evergreen, The Two Moons, Country Garden, Tat-Taraġ (Featuring: George Curmi Puse’ and Freddie Portelli), Ivan u l-Voca, Versatile Brass, Sterjotipi, Brass Party, Mainstage (Featuring: Klinsmann, The Mel Collective feat. Matthew James and Karin D & The Kolors.).
ATMOSFERA
The Archbishop’s Palace
7pm – 11pm
Visitors can visit many rooms in the palace including the piano nobile which includes the throne room, the historic 18th century library and the garden. The Palace is located on the lower side of Archbisop Street, near Independence Square. An exhibition of documents on the building’s history will be on display and informative talks about the restorations taking place in the building will also be held.
Palazzo Spinola
7pm – 11pm
Palazzo Spinola is one third of the original palazzo, which used to extend to Republic Street. During Notte Bianca the public will have access to the ground floor as well as first floor. This palace, is one of the earliest constructions in Valletta, and still retains most of its original features.
Stephen Cordina Perfume Atelier and Lab
7pm – 11pm
Perfume Atelier and Lab will be open to the public. Situated in the undercroft of the St Ursula convent, this site is home to the original distillery of the traditional Ilma Zahar (Orange Blossom Water), which was historically used a medicinal remedy.
Santwarju Bażilika Madonna tal-Karmnu
7pm – 11pm
Festa ċkejkna ġos-Santwarju Bażilika Madonna tal-Karmnu.
The Malta Society of Arts - Exhibition 1
7pm – 11pm
The MSA will host two exhibitions and will be open specifically for Notte Bianca.
Time, Space ... and Palmyra - an exhibition by Henry Alamango and Galina Troizky situated at the art galleries
The Malta Society of Arts - Exhibition 2
7pm – 11pm
Outside Looking In, an exhibition sculptures by Anthony Lucian Cauchi situated at the courtyard
022 żfinupassjoni
A photo exhibition by photographer George Abdilla which captures dance in motion. The collection shows ten years of photographs captured from professional dance productions and dance schools.
PROGRAMME 2022
7:00pm, 9:00pm
Venue: Tritoni Square
Route: Alternative
Trakadum
7:00pm - Leaving from Tritoni
9:00pm - Leaving from St John Square to Laparelli Gardens
Dance to the beat with Trakadum. A percussion band march from Tritoni Square to the Alternative stage at Laparelli Gardens! You can also find them roaming around in Valletta – just follow the beat of the drums!
8:00pm, 9:30pm, 11:00pm
Venue: Laparelli Gardens
Route: Alternative
Down to Earth
8:00pm - Manatapu
9:30pm - Tribali
11:00pm - Fakawi
An alternative journey of music! Join us at Laparelli Gardens for a celebration of unity and diversity through the colourful sounds of ManaTapu, Tribali, and Fakawi. A unique opportunity to experience laser shows, surreal visuals, and interactive acts before the end of summer. We bet you don't know how to reach the venue! No worries, meet us at Tritoni Square at 7.00pm sharp and Trakadum will lead the way to Down to Earth!
7:00pm, 9:00pm
Venue: St Catherine of Italy Church
Route: Classics
Barokk Għall-Kwiet
Baroque music during Notte Bianca! The musical expression of brilliant composers, which was a form of entertainment of the aristocrats of the 17th century. And our audiences shall be treated as such! The magnificent portico of St Catherine’s of Italy Church shall come to life.
7:30pm, 9:00pm
Venue: Church of the Circumcision of our Lord (Jesuits)
Route: Classics
L-Orkestra Għand il-Ġiżwiti
The St Paul Metropolitan Orchestra will be performing at the Jesuits' Church, in Merchant Street, Valletta, for a star studded evening of light music at NOTTE BIANCA 2022, featuring Sopranos Karen Darmenia and Francis Catherine Farrugia, Baritone Louis Andrew Cassar and the orchestra's Three Tenors Angelo Muscat, Charles Vincenti and Andrei Daranyi, under the direction of Mro Mark Agius.
7:30pm, 9:00pm
Venue: St James Church
Route: Classics
The Valletta Recitals
The Valletta Recitals is a special preview of an upcoming series of performances titled Valletta Resounds. Held at the majestic Church of St. James, the performance elegantly strings together the church’s ornate charm married with theatrical storytelling and timeless classical music from the baroque period.
7:30pm, 9:00pm, 10:30pm
Venue: Hastings Gardens
Route: Dance
Flamenco Roots
The rhythmical sounds of the flamenco sandalo are back. Flamenco is, by far the most popular artistic expression of the Spanish culture. And we love it! International guitarist Alejandro Gomez, Maltese, and Spanish Artists will come together to portray the purest form of flamenco without shrillness.
8:00pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm
Venue: National Museum of Archaelogy
Route: Dance
UNight
Bringing together artists with Mediterranean, African, and Arab origins through dance, percussion, and fashion in a colourful palette of the Gran Salon at the National Museum of Archaeology. An interdisciplinary performance to celebrate and explore similarities in our differences and the unity in our diversity.
in collaboration with Heritage Malta
7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm
Venue: Auberge d’Aragon (Ministry of Justice)
Route: Dance
Allegria
Alegria will be showcasing rhythmic flamenco beats with hefty footwork to Maltese folk music. Like Flamenco singing and lament, Alegria will also be accompanying ‘Għana’ with graceful movements including ‘manton’ (shawl) and ‘abanico’ (fan). This evening promises to be vibrant in colour, sound, and vision.
Alternative every 30mins (7:00pm to 0.00am)
Venue: Tritoni Square
Installations
Għall-Belt
A nostalgic installation featuring 5 traditional Maltese buses restored to their former glory ornate the newly re-embellished Triton Square. The installation will be the backdrop for various performing arts projects such as street theatre and dance. If you’re coming to Valletta through the main entrance, take a walk around the fountain, and you won’t regret it!
7:00pm - 0:00am
Venue: Tritoni Square
Installations
Merħba
25 LED arches adorn the entrance to Valletta, spanning over 7 meters wide and with arches positioned 1 meter apart, ‘Merħba’ offers a unique and surreal experience that alters perspective and welcomes our patrons to the 15th edition of Notte Bianca.
7:00pm - 0:00am
Venue: Castille Square
Installations
Colour Wheels
Maltese pyro technicians are, without any doubt, the masters above all. They create mesmerizing tableaus of colourful designs. The Catherine wheels, also known as ‘ġiġifogu’, derived from ‘giochi di fuoco’, were our inspiration to create the ‘Colour Wheels’ artistic lighting installation. While visiting Castille Square, look out for our take on the ‘ġiġifogu’. A safe, playful, and excellent instamoment with your loved ones during Notte Bianca!
4:00pm onwards
Venue: Upper Barrakka Gardens
Route: Kids
KukkuŻejt
The Grand Master is proudly riding his merry horse. He is obsessed with telling his story to the children while strolling through the passageways around the Upper Barrakka Gardens. We cannot tell you what happens next, but we can surely tell you that a variety of imaginary characters, puppets, magic, and surprises are hidden in the trees for the young ones!
4:00pm onwards
Venue: Upper Barrakka Gardens
Route: Kids
Darbtejn Insiru Tfal
‘Darbtejn insiru tfal’ promises to be a lively interactive session between children and the guardians accompanying them. Through games, dance, crafts, and animation - parts of the Upper Barrakka Gardens will be full of colour and full of activities.
Children attending ‘Darbtejn insiru tfal’ will get a hands-on experience doing crafts and personalizing their own large butterfly which they can wear and run around with along the streets of Valletta.
4:00pm onwards
Venue: Upper Barrakka Gardens
Route: Kids
Ġnien Maġiku
Seven magicians of Ring 202 Malta are performing at Ġnien Magiku at the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Each magician shall entertain children with a variety of colorful and entertaining shows joined by a group of other artists with their world of games during the entirety of the evening.
7:00pm
Venue: Teatru Manoel
Route: Music
Qu4ttro
Four voices and four unique acoustic guitars, each in its own genre, poker is formed by Manfredi Tumminello, Claudio Terzo, Umberto Porcaro, Ferdinando Moncada, veterans of the stages as soloists or with their respective bands. A lively and sparkling show, full of musical virtuosity.
7:30pm
Venue: Pjazza Teatru Rjal
Route: Music
Il Mare Minore
Mare Minore is a European project aimed at showcasing Sardinia’s unique cultural traditions through musical expression and the writings of some of the greatest Sardinian authors and poets. The performers will try to relate the languages of music and other artistic disciplines to each other, favouring their contamination and making music an expressive, narrative and social amplifier to reach its main aesthetic figure.
7:30pm, 9:00pm, 10:45pm
Venue: Pjazza San Ġorġ
Route: Music
Main Stage
7:30pm – Klinsmann
9:00pm – The Mel Collective ft. Matthew James & Karin D
10:45pm – The Kolors
Join us for a celebration of music at St George’s Square starting with Klinsmann, The Mel Collective featuring Matthew James and Karin D and closing off with a grand finale with this year’s highly anticipated headlining act, the Italian pop-rock band – THE KOLORS!
8:00pm, 10:00PM
Venue: Roaming
Route: Music
Brijju
8:00pm - Leaving from Tritoni Square to St John Square
10:00pm - Leaving from St John Square to Freedom Square
Featuring the traditional Maltese Kannizzata used during festas, this project delivers a roaming street performance, which includes a Maltese band and Samba Rhyhms.
8:30pm
Venue: Pjazza Teatru Rjal
Route: Music
The Two Moons
The Two Moons is a theatrical storytelling show with live music, built on narrative and poetic texts in Italian and Arabic from ‘The Thousand and One Nights’, interpolated by Italian poems and arias from the 16th and 17th centuries. It also features an accompaniment of music from the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions.
9:00pm onwards
Venue: Upper Barrakka Gardens
Route: Music
Country Garden
A show dedicated to all country music lovers! Country Garden features international backing band Salt Creek in collaboration with local country stars Marisa Damato and Marty Rivers, who will interpret a wide range of beloved country classics.
11:00pm
Venue: La Valette Band Club
Route: Music
Brass Party
The brass section of the La Valette Philharmonic band, under the direction of Mro. Dominic Darmanin, will be performing various sing-alongs in the iconic palazzo of the La Valette band club. Come and enjoy this evening while relishing a drink in a typical Maltese band club atmosphere during this 2-hour event. One can also visit the recently refurbished halls situated on the 1st floor of the band club premises.
11:00pm
Venue: Freedom Square
Route: Red
Ħoss Kuban
8 local musicians will join forces to entertain you with the smooth sounds of jazz. Featuring Gregory Camilleri on piano, Warren Galea on Guitar, Anthony Saliba on bass, Manuel Pulis on drums, Adrian Galea Lucas on congas, Joseph Camilleri on timbales, Adrian ir-Russu Brincat on Trumpet and Walter Vella on saxaphone and flute.
7:00pm
Venue: Roaming
Route: Theatre
Karcocha
Meet Karcocha, a contemporary harlequin that has left crowds in awe all over the world. Dressed as a clown and speaking through his whistle Karcocha entertains spectators and by-passers with his quirky humor, interacting with everyone who crosses "his street".
7:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm
Venue: Church of Our Lady of Pilar
Route: Theatre
X-VOTO
Notte X-Voto is a short comedy in Maltese, written and directed by Joseph Galea, and adapted by Antoine Farrugia. A star-studded cast of local actors remind us of the importance of habits and traditions that are part of our culture in the most inconspicuous venue. The pilar church will be roaring with laughter.
7:00pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm
Venue: Roaming
Route: Theatre
Napuljun
7:00pm - At Independence Square
8:30pm - At Merchant Street)
9:30pm -At Independence Square
Il-Bawxata ta Napuljun is a production in Maltese based on an original script by Brian Bonnici. This representation of the street theater brings us together with the character of Napoleon Bonaparte who, despite his greatness and wisdom, the Maltese still found a way!
7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm
Venue: Tritoni Square
Route: Theatre
Xarabubbles
An interactive bubble show full of slapstick humour, tricks, comedy music, and of course bubbles! An interactive event for all the family, where the audience is encouraged to get on the bus and interact with the actors, be part of the show, watch various bubble tricks and produce their own giant bubbles!