The Grand Harbour will host the largest spectacle of all time during the Valletta Pageant of the Seas on the 7th of June, from 5.30pm onwards.
La Fura Dels Baus will put up a spectacular show, as they return to Malta with a new choreography for the Valletta Pageant of the Seas. The latter debuted in Malta during the European Capital of Culture opening celebrations in Valletta, where they put up a grand show at Triton Square. The narrative is inspired by the relationship that exists between the Maltese and the sea, and will come to life thanks to Maltese participants who have worked hand in hand with the Barcelona-based group. The group’s philosophy is centred around redefining spaces by using non-conventional ones; a quality which will emerge during the show in the Grand Harbour.
The Grand Entry will open the afternoon activities; an epic pageant during which the Grandmaster, together with In Guardia, enters the Grand Harbour on the Fernandes which will be decorated for the occasion, while accompanied by a number of private boats. Wearing their finest uniforms, In Guardia will accompany the Grandmaster on his arrival in the Grand Harbour, while setting the scene for the rest of the Valletta Pageant of the Seas. The group is well known for its re-enactments of various historical events in Malta, and has also performed in countries such as China, Greece, The Czech Republic, Sicily and Germany.
The programme for this year’s edition of the Valletta Pageant of the Seas, which is also part of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme, spans throughout the afternoon and evening of the public holiday, hosting fun sport activities by day, and colourful celebrations by night.
During the Valletta Pageant of the Seas, the Grand Harbour will see a record-breaking fireworks ball. The ball, produced by the Żurrieq St Catherine’s Fireworks Factory, has a diameter of 53 inches, breaking the national record currently held by the 38-inch one done two years ago by the same fireworks factory, which had caught the attention of tourists and press all over Europe. This ball will be part of a larger pyrotechnic show consisting of aerial fireworks as well as fireworks rigged in the water and synchronised with music, with the participation of the Qormi St George’s Fireworks Factory and the Qrendi Independent Fireworks Factory.
Apart from the fireworks show, after sundown the Grand Harbour will be animated with projections on a water curtain, a pageant of more than twenty sailing boats decorated with flags and fairy lights, and a preview of the upcoming original musical opera Aħna Refuġjati.
A number of competitive races will also be held on the day. The general public is invited to take part in L-Għawma Toni Bajada; a swimming activity which will see participants swim across the Grand Harbour from Fort St Angelo towards Valletta. This swim celebrates the legendary figure of Toni Bajada – a historical figure who was known to relay important information he managed to gather from the Ottomans to the Knights, by swimming between St Angelo and St Elmo during the Great Siege of Malta. Those interested in taking part are invited to register themselves on the day at 16.00 at Barriera Wharf, next to the old fish market (Il-Pixkerija).
A regatta will also be happening, during which both Maltese and international rowers will be racing in a triangle from the Old Customs House to Ras Ħanżir and back. The winning team will receive the Palju de Vallette; a black banner designed by Antoine Farrugia, adorned with baroque decorations representing each of the seven districts and boats taking part in the regatta.
More than 20 participants will be using their creativity to create their own rafts which will be raced in Tellieqa Telliqun; a fun race consisting of rafts created using various recycled materials, without the help of motors or oars, while twelve Chaudron powerboats will also be presenting their own choreography in the Grand Harbour.
Although the show will be visible from many areas around the Grand Harbour, the public is encouraged to watch from Valletta.
Roads between Evans Building and Crucifix Hill (next to Valletta Waterfront) will be closed for traffic (except for residents) between Thursday 7th June 9AM and Friday 8th June 1AM.
This event is being organised by the Valletta 2018 Foundation, in collaboration with In Guardia, the Malta Tourism Authority, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, the Malta Rowing Association, Chaudron Powerboats, Surfside Charter Company Ltd, Mad About Video Ltd, La Fura Dels Baus, St Catherine’s V.M. Musical Society Żurrieq, St George’s Fireworks Factory and Independent Fireworks Factory. Supported by the Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta Police Force, the Civil Protection Department, Red Cross, the respective Valletta, Floriana, Senglea and Kalkara local councils, Arts Council Malta and Heritage Malta.
For more information visit valletta2018.org
During the event, the press may access photos via this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149078099@N03/albums/72157667213802357 Kindly note that when using these images, photographer must be given credit.
Valletta 2018 Premium Partners: General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, Coca Cola, Bavaria and Bank of Valletta.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
The Valletta Pageant of the Seas 2018
Thursday, 7th June, 2018
THE GRAND ENTRY
The Grandmaster, accompanied by In Guardia, enters the Grand Harbour on the Fernandes – which will be decorated for the occasion – accompanied by a group of privately owned boats. The Fernandes sails to Pinto 5, where the Grandmaster and In Guardia members disembark. Private boat owners are instructed to either leave the harbour or anchor their boats in the designated area in the harbour
Time: 5.30pm
REGATTA
Eight Maltese regatta boats and eight international ones race in a triangular shape, from Old Customs House to Ras Hanżir and back
Time: 6.15pm
TELLIEQA TELLIQUN
A fun race around the harbour on hand-made rafts without the use of motors or rowing. All rafts are manufactured by participants from recycled material
Time: 6.45pm
GĦAWMA TONI BAJADA
A straight-line swim between Fort St Angelo and Barriera Wharf slipway. All swimmers will embark the Atlantis boat alongside the Old Fisheries and disembark by Fort St Angelo, where the race begins. Those interested are to register themselves at Barriera Wharf (next to Old Fisheries) at 4pm
Organised by: Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club
Supported by: Red Cross, ALE and the Civil Protection Department
Time: 7.00pm
CHAUDRON POWERBOAT SHOW
Twelve Chaudron boats enter the Grand Harbour to produce a 15-minute choreography
Time: 7.45pm
PRESET
8.00pm – 9.00pm
Musical variety:
St Catherine Musical Society Żurrieq – Ta’ Liesse
Malta Police Force Band – Pinto wharf
Escola de Samba Roma-Rio Samba Band – St Barbara Bastions
Prize-giving ceremony taking place at ta’ Liesse, where prizes for the Toni Bajada open water swim, regatta, and Tellieqa Telliqun will be given out
SAILING BOAT SHOW
Twenty-eight sailing boats, decorated with flags and fairy lights, enter the harbour from Kalkara yacht marina to perform a 20-minute choreography.
Time: 9.00pm
CHOIR
Choir perform a piece from the new opera, Aħna Refugjati
Time: 9.20pm
ANIMATED PROJECTIONS
The Grand Harbour is animated with audio-visual projections on a water curtain
Time: 9.45pm
LA FURA DELS BAUS
A show by Spanish theatrical group, La Fura Dels Baus
Time: 10.05pm
GRAND FINAL
A special pyrotechnic show in the Grand Harbour, involving fireworks on a number of floats rigged in the harbour, as well as aerial fireworks from Fort Ricasoli which will break the national record
Time: 11.00pm