The festival is aimed at promoting what is authentically Maltese, said Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech during a news conference held to give details about the event.

He said that if Malta places emphasis on what is part of the Maltese culture, tourists visiting the country will experience more of the island and what it has to offer rather than just being in “another tourist destination”.

“Through activities such as the Historic Cities’ Festival, Malta will be portrayed as not only a destination but an experience it itself. Malta does not only have the sand, sun and sea to offer its visitors. Malta is the ideal location for those travellers who are looking for a unique experience, with an emphasis on the country’s rich cultural heritage,” said Dr Zammit Dimech.

Mario Attard, from the Malta Tourism Authority’s product planning directorate, said the event – which is being held between 7 and 17 October in Mdina, the Three Cities, Valletta and Victoria – had taken over eight months to prepare and will cost around Lm50,000. Part of this, he said, is being sponsored by Bank of Valletta.

Mr Attard said the event aims to boost cultural tourism to Malta and to introduce the unique assets of the country’s historical towns to visitors to Malta. The festival had also been organised to enhance Malta’s cultural events calendar, particularly during the shoulder months.

Highlights of the Malta Historic Cities Festival will include the Valletta Military Tattoo, which will see the participation of foreign military bands, police bands and majorette groups.

There will also be other spectacular activities and events, such as historical re-enactments, folk dancing and music, concerts and pageants.

The Historical Re-Enactment Group of Malta will be presenting a Napoleonic pageant and there will also be a number of photographic and painting exhibitions, as well as a floral exhibition.

The full programme of events is available on www.maltafestivals.

com.