Malta Culture Shines with Adele Concert and Fab Fall Festivities

Kelsy Chauvin READ TIME: 5 MIN.

Malta and its sister island Gozo measure just 150 square miles, but this archipelago nation packs in major events. Located in the Mediterranean Sea just a short flight from many European cities, Malta draws travelers all year for everyday fun and endless sun – and this fall and winter, they can enjoy an array of exciting concerts, exhibits, and festivals.

Headlining the season is Adele, live in concert for a special showcase in the town of St. Julian's on December 14th. Then from pop icon to opera superstardom, the Italian Tenors–Luca Sala, Bruno Almeida, and Evans Tonon–will cast their spell of song during a December 21st performance in Valletta. These are only the beginning of a lineup of shows and activities that will delight Malta and Gozo visitors in the seasons ahead.

LGBTQ+ travelers will find themselves right at home in Malta, a proudly progressive country that ILGA-Europe has ranked No. 1 in LGBTQ+ legal and human rights for eight consecutive years. Malta legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, and enshrined national anti-discrimination policies in its constitution in 2014. In fall 2023, Malta dazzled the world with its epic EuroPride Valletta, hosting Christina Aguilera and other fabulous performers and attendees who turned out for Malta Pride. That spirit of freedom and pride carries on, welcoming diverse travelers to enjoy the rich culture of marvelous Malta and Gozo.

Here are upcoming highlights of top cultural events and happenings across Malta and Gozo, and you can find even more at: VisitMalta.com/en/events-in-malta-and-gozo and EventsinGozo.com/events.

One and Only Adele, Live in Concert
December 14
Experience the magic of Adele like never before with her highly-anticipated tribute concert, featuring the sensational artist Katie Markham and her incredible live band. This spectacular event at the Hilton Malta on December 14th promises an evening of soul-stirring performances and timeless hits.

The Italian Tenors in Concert
December 21
Hailing from the heart of Italy, the Italian Tenors will perform for the first time in Malta at the prestigious Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta December 21st, on the heels of their sold-out European tour. Behold Luca Sala, Bruno Almeida, and Evans Tonon, the triumphant trio, as they reconnect with their classically inspired origins and showcase the brilliance of their renowned arias, beloved Neapolitan classics, captivating "popera," and delightful surprises.

Cumulus Collective Exhibition at Valletta Contemporary
Through November 23
This fall you can view unforgettable works brought together by several prominent art collectors, all under one roof. Valletta Contemporary, in partnership with the Norbert Francis Attard Foundation, is hosting a new exhibition titled "Cumulus," on view through November 23rd. This showcase features works by 29 acclaimed international artists, including Gilbert & George, Ai Weiwei, and Tracey Emin, curated as a collection that has grown organically over decades.

In Guardia Parade
Monthly dates
The In Guardia Parade is a captivating re-enactment that portrays the inspection of Valletta's Fort St. Elmo and its garrison by the Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St. John, leader of military affairs. This authentic parade once took place regularly inside Malta's major fortifications, and is re-enacted several times a year, including November 10th and 24th, and December 1st and 15th. Led by approximately 50 re-enactors dressed in period uniforms, the 40-minute performance demonstrates historic military drills to the Grand Bailiff.

Rock Astra in Gozo
November 24
The La Stella Philharmonic Band will once again rock the island the island of Gozo on November 24th (postponed from spring). The event takes place in Teatru Astra's beautiful auditorium, featuring a vast repertoire of chart-topping glam-rock pieces, adorned by the inescapable cool and strong performance from the top voices of Malta's music scene.

Valletta Baroque Festival
January 9-25, 2025
Since its launch in 2013, the Valletta Baroque Festival has treated audiences to a unique event featuring some of the best soloists and ensembles in the baroque music scene. Over three weeks in exquisite venues – including St. John's Co-Cathedral, The Verdala Palace, Palazzo Parisio, and Teatru Manoel – the festival highlights the enormous versatility of the baroque idiom and its mass appeal. The festival celebrates the treasured settings and precious baroque legacy across the Maltese archipelago.

Ready to discover more? VisitMalta.com.

Read more about Malta: The Hidden LGBTQ Gem of the Mediterranean


by Kelsy Chauvin

Kelsy Chauvin is a writer, photographer and marketing consultant based in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in travel, feature journalism, art, theater, architecture, construction and LGBTQ interests. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @kelsycc.

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