Header image: VisitGozo.com
The latest event to be added to Gozo’s vibrant spring calendar – Gozo Alive – was launched in May 2018 and is set to become an annual extravaganza showcasing what makes Gozo such a great holiday destination.
Lasting three days, from 18 – 20 May, Gozo Alive comprised an action-packed programme of activities to give visitors to the island a real taste of what Gozo has to offer – from music, fashion and dance, to historical re-enactments, exhibitions, and abseiling sessions!
Extra ferry services between Malta and Gozo brought more than 54,000 visitors to the island over the course of the three-day festival. And the main squares in Gozo’s capital Victoria were thronged with thousands of people on the Saturday evening for musical concerts and artistic performances.
Highlights of Gozo Alive
Live music
One of the most exciting aspects of Gozo Alive was the range of live music on offer – which truly reflected Gozo’s lively annual calendar of everything from classical to rock and traditional folk music.
On the opening evening of the Gozo Alive festival there was a was a choral concert in Victoria’s Villa Rundle Gardens, and a live set from the popular local band The Travellers in the village square at Santa Luċija.
The Travellers Live at Santa Lucija – Photo: Christian Vella Masini
Visitors had the choice of two stages in Victoria on the Saturday evening, providing diverse music from artists including the British blues guitarist Ramon Goose, to Maltese artists Ivan Grech and Red Electrick. Top of the bill was the internationally renowned drum and bass band Rudimental.
If you’re looking to dance the night away when you’re on holiday on Gozo, or are booking a holiday with young adults, you may want to read our blog post Gozo nightlife to keep young people dancing.
Gozo also has a world-class annual programme of musical festivals including the Victoria International Arts Festival, the Qala Folk Festival, Festival Mediterranea, and two major Opera productions every year
Free access to museums and heritage sites
A key part of Gozo Alive is to raise visitors’ awareness of Gozo’s unique history and heritage, so on the Saturday Heritage Malta allowed free access to major Gozo museums and sites including:
• Gozo Museum of Archaeology (Citadel),
• Gozo Nature Museum (Citadel)
• The Old Prison (Citadel)
• Gran Castello Historic House (Citadel)
• Ta’ Kola Windmill and Ġgantija Temples (Xaghra).
Ggantija Temples in Gozo – Photo courtesy of VisitGozo.com
In addition, the Walk Through Time experience at the Cittadella offered visitors a historical re-enactment of various moments in Gozo’s history, from the time of the Knights Templar to WW2.
These blog posts give you a bit more information on exploring Gozo’s heritage:
- Make the most of your day in Gozo’s capital Victoria
- Don’t miss these five hidden gems when you visit Gozo
Activity taster sessions – from archery to kayaking
You can really relax and unwind on Gozo but our island also offers a great range of outdoor activities for visitors, including rock-climbing, hiking, cycling, quad-biking and world-class scuba diving.
During Gozo Alive visitors were able to try out some of these activities at free taster sessions all over the island. At Marsalforn there were kayaks, paddleboards, segways, and canoes. While at Dwerja, on the west coast of Gozo, there were free archery and abseiling sessions, and in Xlendi there were plenty of water rides to enjoy.
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to help organise activities during your stay on the island. You can find out more about the various activities Gozo has to offer in these blog posts:
- Plunge into Gozo’s gorgeous sea for an exciting dive
- Explore Gozo with our three mountain bike trails
- How to have fun and stay fit on your Gozo holiday
Visual arts, exhibitions, and performances
Another aspect to Gozo Alive was a focus on the diverse range of visual arts, exhibitions and performances that take place on the island throughout the year.
The facade of the Gozo Cathedral during Gozo Alive – Photo by Maggie
The streets and squares of Gozo’s capital Victoria buzzed with activity during Gozo Alive. There was a fashion show in Gozo’s Cathedral Square, followed by some fiery flamenco dancing and the cathedral’s facade was lit up with a 3-D projection. And on Republic Street, the crowds were entertained by drummers, dancers and buskers.
Ask us for help
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to organise car hire, tours of Gozo, and special activities for our guests whatever time of year you visit. Just get in touch and we’ll tell you all you need to know about walks near to your rental property, special events in villages nearby, and other local information.
Posted in Activity, Cultural activities, Family, Fun, Things to do
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