One of our favourite fireworks festivals is about to take place in Malta. This year’s Malta International Fireworks Festival is bound to offer plenty of spectacular shows, combining fire and culture in exhilarating fashion. Here are Firework Crazy’s tips for enjoying the show.
What is the festival about?
The traditional fireworks festival is returning for its 17th edition in 2018. The festival started as a celebration of Malta’s accession into the European Union in 2004. International and local fireworks groups compete by setting up firework displays to amaze the crowds. A group of local judges will then pick the winner.
You can see the past year’s winner, PyroItaly, throwing a spectacular performance in the video clip below.
Each year, the organisers build the festival around a theme. The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority picked this year’s theme to be “Where Fire and Culture Meet” – so expect a lot of fiery instalments and cultural quirks.
Who is participating in 2018?
Malta International Fireworks Festival will take place on three different nights in April. The festival kicks off on Saturday 21st April, with the finale taking place on Monday 30th April.
The first installation takes place in Xaghra, Gozo. Here’s a little information on the groups performing on the 21st:
- Rozzi Fireworks from the US. A family run group that’s been creating shows since 1895.
- Phoenix Fireworks from the UK. The group recently won the British Firework Championship and the British Musical Firework Championship.
A week later, the show hits the road and the firework displays can be enjoyed on Friday 27th April in Marsaxlokk. The groups performing on the night are:
- Martarello S.r.l from Italy. One of the biggest firework groups in the world and a group with multiple awards in its bag.
- St Mary Fireworks Factory Ghaxaq from Malta. A local firework manufacturer and a two-time winner of the competition, having won in 2010 and 2016.
You then don’t have to wait as long for the Grand Finale, as it takes place on Monday 30th April. The finale takes place in the Maltese capital, Valletta. On the night, the performing group will be:
- Pyroemotions from Italy. The Italian firework factory will create a show based on fireworks and multimedia.
Get involved with Malta International Fireworks Festival 2018
One of the reasons we love the Malta International Fireworks Festival is that it’s so easy to get involved with it. You can find plenty of direct flights from the UK to Malta and the island is famous for affordable food and accommodation. The festival itself doesn’t cost a penny and the views of the Grand Harbour in Valletta are simply stunning.
Unlike the previous festivals, this year will also highlight other cultural elements and traditions in Malta. Not only do you get to enjoy great fireworks, but also explore the rich history of this small island nation.
If you can’t make it to the festival this year, there’s always a next year and another event around the corner! You could also celebrate the occasion with some fireworks from our online store. For fireworks and for culture!
