The Largest Spectacle of the Year in the Grand Harbour on Sette Giugno
This 7th June sees the Valletta Pageant of the Seas, the largest spectacle of the year taking place in the Grand Harbour. The event forms part of the Valletta 2018 festivities to mark the 450th anniversary since Valletta’s foundation.
The Valletta Pageant of the Seas is a unique activity set against the majestic backdrop of the Grand Harbour and the event starts at 6pm and includes numerous regatta boats, power boats, yachts and carnival floats as well as other craft.
“The best experience of this project is the large amount of people involved – from artists to craftspeople, local councils around Malta and Gozo and the general public. This is at the heart of Valletta 2018, that we’re moving towards more participation in cultural activities from the general public,“ Valletta 2018 Chairman Jason Micallef said. “This augurs well as in another 18 months, the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme will have participation from the Maltese public like never before.”
Getting there
Micallef urged members of the public to arrive early to avoid any disappointment and to make use of public transport that will be operating till late. The ferry service between Valletta and the Three Cities, as well as the ferry between Valletta and Sliema, will operate till 5pm and will then resume services after the event at 10pm. People can also make use of the Barrakka lift.
Best views
The best viewpoints to enjoy the spectacle are the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Barriera Wharf, St Barbara Bastions, and Ta’ Liesse in Valletta.
The Artistic Director for Special Events Mario Philip Azzopardi said, “This is an opportunity for all Maltese to come together as one nation to remember our history and culture while also celebrating our present and future. This will be a celebration for the whole family to enjoy.”
The Valletta Pageant of the Seas will kick off with the Għawma Toni Bajada, a large swimming activity involving hundreds of people crossing from Fort St. Angelo in Birgu to the Old Fisheries at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta.