Hi,

The sun is hitting again - finally! - and like flowers, events bloom in our vibrant island! So many, indeed, that I could mention here only the main ones. But fear not: way more are mentioned across all my channels.

Now sit back and take a big breath... we have an International Fireworks Competition, Higher Love festival, SFERA launching their second album, FUWAMAI opening in Valletta and more food, concerts and parties!

Open your Calendar app: let's dive in!

THIS WEEK IN MALTA

- The 25th Malta International Fireworks Festival is almost here - the Grand Harbour competition night lands on April 20, and general viewing from the bastions is free, but reserved seats at around 5 euros are already moving.

- Multiple high-end international restaurant concepts are reportedly arriving in Malta this month - think Zuma and COYA-level brands setting up on the island. No confirmed names yet, but worth watching if you follow the food scene.

- April light in Malta is genuinely one of the best things about living here - long evenings, warm but not punishing, and the harbour looking its best. A good week to pick a bayside spot and just sit with it before the summer crowds arrive.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK: MALTA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL - GRAND HARBOUR COMPETITION NIGHT

The 25th anniversary edition of Malta's biggest pyrotechnic event opens its Grand Harbour competition night on April 20, and it's the kind of spectacle that justifies living on an island with a working harbour.

Maltese and international teams go head to head in a live pyro-musical showdown above the Grand Harbour - timed to music, competitive, and genuinely jaw-dropping from the right vantage point. Free viewing from the bastions is the local's choice, but if you want a guaranteed spot with a direct sightline, the reserved seating is around 5 euros and well worth it. Book early - this sells out faster than people expect, and the 25th anniversary is drawing extra attention this year.

Details: Monday 20 April, from approximately 9:00 PM - Grand Harbour Waterfront and Barrakka Gardens, Valletta - info Here.

WHAT'S ON: 3 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

1. PLAN YOUR FIREWORKS FESTIVAL VIEWING - because free doesn't mean unlimited, and the best spots go to whoever gets there first.

  When: Competition night is Monday 20 April from approximately 9:00 PM - but this week is your window to book reserved seating

  Where: Grand Harbour Waterfront and Barrakka Gardens, Valletta

  Cost: Free (general viewing) or approximately 5 euros (reserved seating)

  Tickets/info: https://www.maltafireworksfestival.com

  Why go: The 25th anniversary edition - Maltese and international pyrotechnic teams competing live over the Grand Harbour to music. It's one of those Malta moments that never gets old.

2. MARSAXLOKK SUNDAY MARKET - the spring version of this weekly waterfront market is as good as it gets and spring time is honestly the best time: not too crowded, not too hot.

  When: Sunday 13 April, from approximately 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM

  Where: Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk

  Cost: Free

  info: Here.

  Why go: Fresh fish straight off the luzzu boats, local honey, seasonal vegetables, and a waterfront walk in April morning light - go before 9 AM if you want the fish and the calm simultaneously, stay for lunch in one of the restaurants around.

3. FUWAMAI VALLETTA - the Japanese souffle pancake spot on Old Theatre Street is worth making a trip for this week if you haven't been yet.

  When: Open 10 am to 11 pm

  Where: 52D Old Theatre Street, Valletta

  Cost: The bigger the belly, the higher the cost.

  Info: Here.

  Why go: Souffle pancakes done properly - the kind that wobble on the plate - plus XL toasties if you want something more substantial. A good slow-morning stop in Valletta before the city gets busy.

Tip: Save or screenshot this section so you've got your week sorted in 10 seconds.

COMING UP - BOOK AHEAD

1. MALTA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL - GRAND FINALE - this is the fastest-selling night of the entire festival and the 25th anniversary makes it even more in demand than usual.

  When: Thursday 30 April, doors at 7:00 PM, fireworks from approximately 8:00 PM

  Where: Grand Harbour, Valletta

  Tickets: 10 euros (members) / 15 euros (general)

  Book: Here.

  Note: Historically sells out well in advance - book this week, not next.

2. HIGHER LOVE FESTIVAL MALTA 2026 - multi-day electronic music festival across Malta's top venues over the May Day holiday weekend, with sunset sessions and high-production international DJ sets.

  When: Wednesday 29 April to Monday 4 May 2026

  Where: Multiple venues including Gianpula Village, H'Attard

  Tickets: From 132.59 euros (weekend pass)

  Book: Here.

  Note: Weekend passes at this price won't last - if you're going, lock it in now before the early availability is gone.

WHERE TO GO: MALTA’S DINING SCENE IS GETTING SHARPER

Malta’s food scene has clearly improved in the last years ("Oh, what memories!" - dramatic backgrownd music). The Michelin Guide 2026 now features 48 restaurants, with all 7 starred spots keeping their stars, and several new names joining the Recommended list — including Bistro Boca in Ta’ Xbiex, Anima and Le Majoliche in St. Julian’s, Scala in Mdina, and Osteria Scottadito in Nadur. Verbena in Mġarr also picked up a new Bib Gourmand (we spoke about it a few weeks ago), which is always a good sign I would say.

At the same time, the wider, "unstarred" restaurant scene is getting more ambitious.

de Mondion in Mdina was voted top restaurant for 2026 by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide, while names like Sole by Tarragon, ION Harbour, OyOy, Toro Toro, and Casa Gringo are also getting attention.

There’s also growing talk around major international brands potentially landing in Malta soon, which can be good and bad at the same time - we don't need another McDonald in my opinion, but we can well enjoy high quality brands.

What’s changing on the plate? More strong plant-based options, more immersive dining experiences, more focus on sustainable seafood and less-waste kitchens, and a bigger push toward premium craft drinks - oh yes, Malta improved A LOT on that side in the last years.

Add to that the pressure for places to look good online and book easily, and you get the picture: eating out in Malta is no longer just about food.

It’s becoming more curated, more visual, and a lot more competitive. comparing to the past, few names survived and now thrive, why many gave space to a new generation. And let me thank Heaven for that.

We are in a 'New Malta', and it is indeed a good time to taste something new.

GET INVOLVED: MALTA RED CROSS IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Malta Red Cross runs ambulance support, first aid response, community outreach, and fundraising events across the island - and they're actively recruiting right now.

Roles range from hands-on (ambulance support, first aid - training provided) to more flexible community and fundraising work. It's open to all Malta residents, so whether you're a local or an expat looking to plug into something meaningful, this is a straightforward way to do it.

How to join: Here.

QUICK HITS

- The Springtime Festival Eco Market at Ta' Qali runs April 24-26 with artisan food, live entertainment, and kids' activities - all free. Friday opens at 3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM. Good family option for the last weekend of April.

- Save the date: SFERA album launch "Night Walk" at the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta - Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, 8:30 PM. Malta jazz-fusion at its most intimate, 18 to 20 euros, and the kind of show that sells quietly and fast.

- Local gem: Marsaxlokk waterfront on a Sunday morning before 9 AM is a completely different experience from arriving at 11. The fish is fresher, the crowd is thinner, and you can actually walk along the front without shuffling. Set your alarm once - it's worth it.

YOUR TURN

Know a great event, venue, or community project that should be here next week?

-> Just hit reply and tell me in 1-2 sentences.

Question of the week:

What's your favourite spot in Malta to watch the fireworks - bastions, a rooftop bar, a friend's Valletta balcony, or somewhere completely unexpected?

-> Hit reply - I'll feature the best answers (first name only) next week.

Cheers,

Simone

MaltaLife - bringing Malta's best to your inbox every Monday

Instagram: @maltalifenews

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