He loves “the colours, smells and fireworks of the village festa”.
With a full calendar of performances in London, Chicago, Salzburg, Munich, Berlin and New York in the last year alone, Maltese-born Joseph Calleja has fast become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after tenors in the opera world. In the first of our Insider Guides, he shares what it is that will always make Malta special.
josephcalleja.com
Nostalgia
What is your most vivid childhood memory in Malta?
Attending the village festa. I grew up going to the ones in Hal-Qormi and Naxxar. I love the colours, the smells and the fireworks.
Favourites
Local restaurant: Tmun, Mgarr, Gozo
Local dish: It’s a tie between lampuki with local prawns and local rabbit
Beach or swimming spot: San Blas
Place for a walk: In Malta’s it’s by the Red Tower, and in Gozo it’s in Qbajjar, off on the way to the lighthouse
Activity to do in Malta: Swimming
Family tradition: Sunday lunch
Landmark: The chapel in Tal-Ahrax, Mellieha
Festa food: Nougat
View: From the Red Tower
Town/village: Mdina
Random
Describe your ideal day spent in Malta:
I would wake up early, go fishing and then head for a swim. After that, a light lunch at Tmun in Gozo or Da Pippo in Valletta, followed by a BBQ at home while watching the stars by the fire pit.
Is there anything you would change about Malta or the Maltese?
The style of development in Malta leaves a lot to be desired. The majority of developments in Malta lack any sort of planning. The Maltese can be very short-sighted.
What do you like on your hobza?
Tuna, onions, mint, capers, black pepper and salt, topped with olive oil and small pickled onions.
Either or
Irkotta or pizelli? Irkotta
Cisk or Kinnie? Kinnie
Summer or winter? BOTH