Visual and aural treats:

Wednesday, 14 November at 8pm: City of Humanity 1, Behind the Fortification - Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

This Wednesday sees the premier of the first Maltese opera cycle, City of Humanity, taking place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. The cycle consists of three distinct, yet linked, works which are set during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, telling a story which interweaves fact and fiction. The libretto is by acclaimed Maltese author Gorg Peresso, with music by Reuben Pace, performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and directed by Michael Moxham. 

Saturday, 17 November at 8.30pm: Dogman - Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta; Tuesday, 13 November from 7pm – 11pm: ĊineXjenza: Inception - Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta

Italian director Matteo Garrone’s previous work has delighted, astounded and allowed for a fundamental questioning of 21st century life. His Gomorra, based on Roberto Saviano’s novel, lifted the lid on the seedy underworld first exposed by the international journalist. And, now, the film auteur returns with Dogman, which first premiered at Cannes Film Festival this year, and which won Marcello Fonte the Best Actor award. The story centres on Marcello, a dog groomer who steps in with dangerous associates in his quest to earn enough to take care of his canines and take his daughter on expensive holidays. An apt tale in these fraught times, Dogman provides much food for thought – as well as a whirlwind ride. More food for thought is expected at the ĊineXjenza (literally, cinema and science) event on Tuesday: this series of film screenings, chosen to reflect current concerns in science, will continue with Inception, followed by a discussion on data protection, dreams, and the human subconscious.

Kiddie treats:

From Friday, 16 November at 9am: Żigużajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People – various locations around Valletta

This weekend sees Żigużajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People return to the capital for a fun-packed few days, offering more than enough to keep the little ones going. Kicking off on Friday at 9am, the festival will see over 150 performances and workshops designed to inspire creativity and aiming to stimulate the imaginations of thousands of kids. The event usually attracts over 13,000 people – will you and your family be joining? For a full programme of events, click here. 

Party and musical treats:

Saturday, 17 November from 7pm: Class of ’95 - Tigullio, Spinola Bay, St Julian's

There’s no limit to the wave of nostalgia brought on by ‘90s parties. Andthis weekend sees Tigullio playing some of the classic tunes which characterised the decade, and what-were-once-trendy beats. The crowd is likely to consist of a mix of those who experienced the decade the first time around as well as fans of the era (which has risen in popularity these last couple of years). Remember to wear your DMs, farmer shirt and torn jeans to really get into the zone. 

Friday, 16 November from 8.30pm – 11pm: Timothy Garrett Live - Teatru Salesjan, Sliema

Solo artist Timothy Garrett’s work may be experimental in nature – with its attempt to use melody in a quest for deeper meaning – but his new compositions, played within the rich interiors of Teatru Salesjan, might prove to be an unexpected, and enjoyable, discovery for many. Tickets are only €6, and the performance will even give you the chance to revel in the remarkable interiors of Sliema’s oldest theatre. 

Looking to the future:

Saturday, 17 November from 1.45pm: Clean-up - Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park, Mellieha; Saturday, 17 November from 11am – 6pm and Sunday, 18 November from 10am to 6pm: The Annual Christmas Gift Fair - Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Balzan

It’s a truth universally acknowledged (unless you’re Trump) that the planet has not taken kindly to our destructive, capitalist ways. We see this on this small island where rubbish is unceremoniously dumped, and plastic seems to be winning the day. The clean-up at Majjistral Nature and History Park in Mellieha aims to sort out that neck of the woods and ensure its lasting beauty can be enjoyed by generations to come. And clean-ups such as these could also teach us a thing or two about our spending habits, that is, to start thinking local and sustainable. Indeed, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa’s Christmas Fair will herald the season in by featuring items you won’t be throwing away any time soon (we hope!).