Merry Christmas time on Gozo: The atmosphere is decidedly festive, and there is an attractive event programme for every taste!
Christmas! No more waiting; the queen of all holidays is here.
As always, there are the naysayers who criticise everything and are not at all looking forward to this big highlight. But the others, and they are the vast majority, enjoy getting together with their parents, best friends, children and the whole family and having a great time. The merry get-together is accompanied by good food and drink… – They watch old and new Christmas films, smile at old family photos, reminisce about one or two memories and finally unwrap the presents under the decorated Christmas tree.
In a quiet hour, some people even try to take a deep breath to somehow shake off the stress of the past 12 months. All in all, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation for your fellow human beings. This may well mean reaching out to someone with whom you have not been on the best of terms recently. Therefore, the great significance of Christmas is the same wherever it is celebrated: it is an indispensable platform for reflecting on life and, best of all, simply enjoying it…
Neither frost nor snow, only beautiful Christmas markets, festive concerts, events for the kids wherever you look
The fascinating Christmas atmosphere can now be felt all over the Mediterranean island of Gozo. In November alone, almost 530,000 people from all over the world landed at the Maltese airport in Luqa, many of whom took the short ferry trip over to Christmassy Gozo, as they will do again in December. What winter holidaymakers can be sure of, however, is an astonishing array of beautifully decorated Christmas markets – always with plenty of exciting stalls. Here on Gozo, for example, the pretty Christmas markets in the capital Victoria or in villages such as Sannat or Qala are major attractions. These and many other markets offer a wide variety of goods, many of which are lovingly handmade, ranging from homemade biscuits to fine cosmetics and quality jewellery.
And to make sure you have everything you need for your (next?) Christmas holiday in Gozo: Festive masses, impressive concerts by qualified orchestras and choirs, thought-provoking readings, lively musicals and special events for children – all of this is offered on such a small island, in a quality and variety that never ceases to amaze even the most seasoned tourist. Believe me, the enthusiasm with which Gozitans prepare for and celebrate Christmas is something that really appeals to me as well, having moved here from Germany.
There is also a special drink that many Europeans automatically associate with the Christmas season. Mulled wine, as it is called here due to Malta’s and Gozo’s long association with England, is also served at one Christmas market or another. If not, the local supermarkets such as Greens (or Lidl) are well stocked.
Use this as an inspiration for your next winter holiday: The current Christmas programme on gozo with all the events at a glance.
To round off your Christmas overview: In our October blog, we already provided you with the calendar of the extensive 2023 Christmas programme and all the festive activities. Here, you can browse through this very attractive Christmas programme on Gozo for all ages, with the knowledge that the 2024 Christmas programme will be just as attractive.
My wife and I, for example, visited the above-mentioned Christmas markets in Victoria and Sannat. Have a look at some impressions here…
New island record: With a 120-metre-long Christmas cake for charity, of course
Also in keeping with the Christmas spirit on Gozo is a new island-wide record: the Sir M.A. Refalo Sixth Form managed to bake a 120-metre-long Christmas cake. To be more precise, a “Bûche de Noël“, which is known as a typical Christmas cake not only in Canada, France, Switzerland, Italy or Belgium, but also in Gozo. In a collaboration between 25 teachers, school employees and experienced Gozitan bakers, this magnificent cake was made from 545 individual pieces and then assembled. What’s inside sounds like a record: 200 kilos of biscuits, 100 kilos of coconuts, 10 kilos of hot chocolate, 10 kilos of cherries, 10 kilos of walnuts, 50 bottles of alcohol and 300 cans of evaporated milk.
Students from this school in Victoria sold the record-breaking cake to passers-by and guests in Gozo in a festively decorated Victoria a few days ago. All proceeds from the Bûche de Noël, which was sold in individual portions, were donated to L-Istrina, a highly respected charity in our islands.
Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage, the festivals of Gozo and Malta express the pure joy of life.
That’s it! The festivals of Gozo and Malta, large and small, have been recognised as “intangible” World Heritage by UNESCO. This is a great decision that was taken at the UNESCO annual conference in Botswana, Africa, at the end of 2023.
Anyone familiar with the fantastic festivals held in every village and town in the Maltese archipelago will immediately understand UNESCO’s decision. Those who have never been to one of these festivals should take this as an opportunity to consider the Maltese Islands as their next holiday destination.
To explain the vibrant nature of the many local festivals on the two islands, it is best to look at the character of the vast majority of Gozitans and Maltese: they are cheerful and mostly good-humoured people, with the sunny Mediterranean location certainly playing a positive role. The local patron saint is the focus of many of these celebrations: the processions have a religious background in Catholic Malta but are by no means devoid of fun. On the contrary, the local brass bands always give their all at each of these festivities, while the delicious Mediterranean food and the variety of drinks (both local and international) also contribute to an exuberant atmosphere.
Enjoy life and celebrate for more than just one day, always with fun and lots of fireworks.
We should enjoy life; after all, we only have one… – This could be the motto for almost any of these many celebrations. Which is why most of them last more than one day. One thing that is always added is the fireworks. For Gozitans and Maltese, this is a deep passion, and the party atmosphere is often stoked in the morning and during the day.
I have been living here in Gozo for a few years now, and I have never seen so many magnificent fireworks in my life.
The Maltese Minister for Culture, Owen Bonnici, perfectly summed up the importance of the festivals on the two islands, which have now been awarded Intangible World Heritage status: “Hats off to the efforts and motivation of the many volunteers who bring our festivals to life across the islands.” UNESCO, a global organisation dedicated to the protection of education, science and culture, also has a very important point to praise: No one is excluded from the festivals in Gozo and Malta – people with disabilities are welcomed and supported with special protective measures.
Villa Marni in Xlendi wishes you a peaceful and happy Christmas! And a perfect New Year!
Apartments & Maisonettes
Mare
Mare is a spacious and luxurious one-bedroom unit, boasting a sleek and contemporary design. Located on a single floor, it features an open-plan layout that seamlessly merges the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. The large sliding windows flood the interior with natural light and fresh air, enhancing the bright and airy ambiance. The space is elegantly furnished with a modern oversized couch. A private balcony with rattan seating offers a tranquil view of the expansive communal pool and deck area, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Selene
Selene is a spacious and luxurious one-bedroom unit, showcasing a sleek and modern design. Located on a single floor, it features an open-plan layout that seamlessly blends the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors allow abundant natural light and fresh air to flow through, creating a bright and airy ambiance. The private balcony, furnished with rattan chairs, offers a stunning view of the large communal pool and deck area, making it the perfect retreat to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Aroma
Aroma is a luxurious and airy one-bedroom unit designed with modern elegance. With the addition of a sofa bed, it can comfortably accommodate up to four guests. The single-floor unit features an open-plan layout connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Sliding doors and windows fill the space with natural light and fresh air, enhancing the open, breezy atmosphere. The unit provides direct access to the communal pool and deck area, perfect for relaxation.
Sol
Sol is a bright, airy one-bedroom unit that offers modern luxury and can accommodate up to four guests with the addition of a sofa bed. The single-floor unit features an open-plan design, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Sliding windows allow for abundant natural light and ventilation, creating an inviting atmosphere. The unit provides direct access to the large communal pool and deck area, perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
Skuna
Introducing Skuna, a charming maisonette inspired by traditional Maltese sailing vessels. This single-floor retreat offers modern comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen, cosy bedrooms, and a luxurious bathroom. With air conditioning for year-round comfort and an expansive sun terrace for relaxation, Skuna provides the perfect blend of style and comfort. Just an easy eight-minute walk from Xlendi’s seaside attractions, this maisonette offers an idyllic Mediterranean escape.
Brillanti
Welcome to Brillanti, a charming maisonette within Villa Marni, named after the Maltese word for "Brilliant." Inspired by the timeless song "Inti Djamant," this cosy retreat features separate living and kitchen areas, two comfortable bedrooms, and a welcoming outdoor terrace. Ideal for discovering Xlendi’s coastal charm, Brillanti offers the perfect balance of tradition and modern comfort for a memorable Mediterranean escape.