2018 marks the official beginning of the European Capital of Culture in Valletta. Over 400 events and 140 projects will keep the capital city, and the rest of the island buzzing as Valletta kicks off its 12-month stint as European Capital of Culture this year.

Around 1,000 local and international artists, curators, artist collectives, performers, workshop leaders, writers, designers, singers and filmmakers will participate to bring to the public a variety of activities, projects and events which cater for all sorts of tastes and interests.

These include visual arts, design, contemporary theatre, outdoor screenings and interactive performances, together with the launch of a number of contemporary galleries within the Baroque capital.

Valletta Manoel Theatre

Here are some highlights we have selected; the full programme of events may be viewed here.

Picasso and Miró: The Flesh and The Spirit

April-June 2018

Malta is privileged to be participating in this rare exhibition, forming part of the major international project Picasso-Méditerranée, an initiative of the Musée National Picasso – Paris. Due to sensitivity to the light the works can only be exhibited every few years. The exhibition is being showcased at the stunning Palace of the Grandmasters in Valletta.

Valletta Film Festival

8 – 17 June 2018

Malta’s largest cinematic event, the Valletta Film Festival screens over forty feature films and twenty-five short films from around the world. Aside from other highlights, the festival includes three competitive sections adjudicated by international juries. The event takes place at indoor and open-air cinemas around the capital city. As part of the 2018 calendar of events, a biennial conference on the Cinema of Small Nations will also be held at this time, together with a series of talks, debates, workshops and other activities.

Valletta

Malta International Arts Festival

29 June – 14 July 2018

Over the years the Malta International Arts Festival has established itself as a high-quality event, hosting a varied programme of multidisciplinary works that encourage artistic collaboration, support diversity, and strive to forge creative synergy. This year, a special edition of the festival will unveil an exciting programme of high-quality cultural exhibitions and events that aim to engage visitors with the Islands’ rich historical and cultural tapestry.

July is also the month during which the acclaimed Malta International Jazz Festival. A staple favourite on the local cultural calendar, the festival invites world-renowned artists to perform in the capital city

The Three Palaces Festival

2 – 11 November 2018

Three of Malta’s historical Baroque palaces – San Anton Palace in Attard, Verdala Palace and the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta – will become the backdrop to a week-long festival, during which performances by local performers as well as renowned artists from around the world will be staged.