The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici, together with Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef, Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay, artist Henry Galea and his team, and Bay Radio hosts Jamie and Taryn, officially launched this year’s Christmas in the Capital programme during a ceremonial switching-on of the Christmas lights and iconic Christmas tree.
Tuesday evening’s special event in Freedom Square, Valletta, marked the start of the month-long programme of events, Christmas in the Capital.
This year’s Christmas tree stands as a testament to local craftsmanship, creativity, and months of dedicated work. It stands at 15.6 metres in height, 6.5 metres in diameter, and a striking 20-metre circumference, making it one of the capital’s most striking festive centrepieces.
It is adorned with 2,000 metres of shimmering lights.
More than 1,500 individual branches were hand-decorated one by one and a total of 7,000 ornaments and over 200 metres of fabric, decorate its branches.
Local artistry shines through 63 hand-painted ornaments especially made for this year’s installation, each crafted by Maltese artisans.
Adding a touch of local tradition, 60 original Maltese crosses are nestled among the decorations.
This year, the main streets and squares of the Capital are adorned with interactive Christmas installations, enhancing the magical atmosphere throughout the city.
Behind this iconic Christmas Tree lies a labour of love: six months of constant planning, designing, and tireless work by dedicated teams.
The Christmas in the Capital programme features the cherished traditional procession with Baby Jesus around the streets of Valletta accompanied by a live choir, live concerts by Klinsmann, Kevin Paul, The New Victorians and Riona, roaming performances by Tikka Banda, interactive activities for children, a choral performance by the prestigious Cappella Musicale Caeciliana Choir at the Jesuit Church Oratory, and the massive annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, making Valletta the heart of Malta’s Christmas celebrations.
Visit the Valletta Cultural Agency’s website Events page and Facebook page to check out the full list of events and mark your calendars!
Photos: Vince Piscopo, Walter Barbara
