Taking something home to your loved ones need not mean opting for tacky souvenirs or T-shirts screaming ‘I went to Malta and all they got me was this was lousy T-shirt’. Local artisans (and other creatives) selling traditional and handmade ceramics, candles, jewellery, <stationary> (we don’t see much of this at the market I would rather we leave it out), wellbeing and homeware goods, abound on these little islands, and finding their unique creations is not as hard as you might think, particularly with the upcoming summer night markets happening in some of Malta’s most iconic and historical spots.

Local artists – such as Stephanie Borg, with her eclectic prints, and Andrew Farrugia, whose Te fit-Tazza series of images has garnered quite a following – have spent years honing their craft and offer some of their work for sale from their workshops and studios. There is a definite local flair to many of their designs, and it is this which keeps people going back for more. 

And, as from next weekend, some of Malta’s best-loved local creative entrepreneurs, artists and artisanal producers, such as Stephanie and Andrew, will be brought together in two summer evening market editions, the first of which will be taking place on 30 June and 1 July in Cospicua. Market Curator Alexia Samut-Tagliaferro, emphasized the importance of the initiative which aims to bring “the consumer closer to the people behind small independent businesses, exposing local artisans and  a platform for creative entrepreneurs and engaging visitors in learning about particular niche skills such as weaving, filigree, ceramics and silversmithing trending locally.” The June session is being organised in collaboration with the local band club, San Gorg, with highlights of the night including work by local crafters The Crafty Cottonerans, a group of locally-based seamstresses creating wonders with vintage clothing. There will also be a pop up fashion parade organised by a few of the stallholders.

The second is being set up on 22 July at the glorious Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar and will feature a special curation of graphic art, fashion, antiques and vinyl, which are bound to be popular, particularly considering the setting. 

Ms Samut-Tagliaferro highlighted the immersive experience of the event, "where visitors are invited to chat to creatives, artists and artisans directly involved in making or sourcing artisanal quality products. The market is a social hub where guests can often get involved in a workshop or watch skilled artisans make their products,” she explained. And, much variety is promised, with participants including Glen Calleja, with his new initiative for handmade books called Kotba Calleja; Daniela and Charles Aquilina – aka Oil & More – who will be selling locally made delicacies & chutneys, as well as Jo Montebello, at the market on Sunday 22 July with her Burlesque Candles. If you're looking for something more wearable, Gioia Clavenzani (Jewellery Art Design) will also be showcasing and selling pieces, borne out of experimentation with techniques and textures, in the July edition. 

The markets will be open from 6pm to 11pm on 30th June, 1st July and 22nd July, and are free to the public.