The Valletta Pageant of the Seas will return to the Grand Harbor on Saturday 25 June with a varied show paying homage to the 80th anniversary of the Santa Marija Convoy’s arrival on August 15 1942.
This biannual event, which has now found its place firmly in the Grand Harbour’s calendar, was announced today at a press conference by the Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, together with the Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency Jason Micallef. For the first time since the pandemic, the public is invited to watch the live show in the Grand Harbour from Quarry Wharf, Valletta.
“It is wonderful to host such events and keep the culture alive. After a two-year gap, we can revitalise our Maltese cultural heritage and continue promoting our national identity,” stated Minister Owen Bonnici.
Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef stated that “The Valletta Pageant of the Seas returns on a grand scale with a special focus on the Santa Marija Convoy. This biannual event is now a part of the summer cultural calendar, and we urge everyone to attend and follow the programme which will take place on land and on sea from Quarry Wharf.”
Events will begin at 8:00pm with Tellieqa Telliqun, an entertaining competition in the Grand Harbour between a number of teams who will be racing their homemade sea crafts without the use of traditional oars and engines. Each vessel will be named for British naval ships that were present during World War II.
The show will continue with a concert of popular music led by Maestro Paul Abela with the participation of The Palace String Orchestra under the musical direction of Ryan Paul Abela, and lighting effects that will take the audience back in time to the forties. Meanwhile, a special edition of the regatta by night, with the participation of six clubs from around the Grand Harbour, will follow.
The main performance will consist of a theatrical and audio-visual experience under the direction of Lee N Abela, that will explore the circumstances of the Maltese during those difficult times, by means of projections on Fort Saint Angelo and with the participation of Moveo Dance Company and a diverse cast of prominent local actors including Theresa Gauci, Paul Portelli, Charlotte Grech, Cassandra Spiteri and many others.
The evening closes with a fireworks installation at sea and a grand pyrotechnic display.
This project is being supported by Visit Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta and Tug Malta.
For more information about the Valletta Pageant of the Seas and other events, visit vca.gov.mt and the Valletta Cultural Agency Facebook page.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister