Tonight, Valletta will be transformed into a “magical” capital to mark the Epiphany as the first edition of Tre Re – Notte Magica kicks off with a number of activities being held in a number of streets and squares throughout the whole night.

The organisers have been urging people to use public transport in order to make it easier to access Valletta on this busy night.

Those who use public transport on this night are being asked to retain their tickets to participate in the ADT lottery, by means of which they may win Lm600, Lm300 and Lm100.

The bus ticket will also entitle the holder to a Lm5 voucher when purchasing items with a value of at least Lm20 from any of the Matrix outlets by the end of January.

All public transport routes will operate regularly to and from Valletta. The last journey from Valletta will leave at 2.30am but this may be extended depending on demand.

In addition, the Marsamxetto Steam Ferry Service Ltd will be providing a ferry service from Sliema Ferry and Birgu Waterfront, Valletta Marsamxetto and Ta’ Liesse respectively.

A regular route bus 98 will operate around Valletta, picking up and dropping off ferry patrons requiring transport to and from the centre for a nominal charge of 25 cents per person one way. Gozo Channel will also run a special schedule, with the last ferry leaving Cirkewwa at midnight.

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Saluting Battery to signal midnight for Notte Magica

In keeping with the spirit surrounding the start of the New Year and the much awaited Notte Magica: It-Tre Re, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Island Caterers are joining forces to organise what is set to be a unique, fun-filled event at the Saluting Battery (Upper Barracca) today.

For this occasion, FWA will be opening its doors to the Saluting Battery for free from 6pm till the early hours of the following morning, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the resplendent night views of the Grand Harbour, to explore the historic guns and the battery at night and enjoy a hearty snack or beverage from the various special stalls which are being purposely set-up at this place. Minutes before midnight, the Victorian gun crew made up from FWA volunteers; dressed as late 19th century Maltese gunners from the Royal Malta Artillery, will march to the cannon to load and fire a full gun salvo to greet the New Year, and to also signal the end of the official Yuletide and New Year festivities. In all, five guns are to be fired with blank charges which will offer a unique spectacle of flame and colours thereby lighting up the night.

The Saluting Battery is located right under the Upper Barrakka Gardens and can be accessed through two flights of steps positioned behind the Strickland monument. This historic monument goes back to the 16th century when the first defences of the capital were built by the Order of St John as part of the main ramparts. Given its unique elevated position from where it enjoyed excellent views, this battery was used to provide defence at depth of the harbour along with Fort St Angelo across the harbour.

It remained in constant use for almost 300 years through which it also served as a ceremonial artillery platform from where gun salutes were provided to honour visiting dignitaries or naval vessels. For as many years, it was also used to signal three principal timings of the day by which the pace of life was regulated in the garrison; sunrise, midday and sunset.

The first and last signalled the opening and closure of the town gates with the resultant beginning and end of the curfew whenever it was in place. The midday round fired at noon was mainly intended to provide a universal form of time to mariners in the harbour by which they would regulate their chronographs on board. Until fairly recently, chronographs were used as the prime means of navigation on board a ship.

The old Saluting Battery in Valletta is one of several historic places held in trust by FWA. It has been undergoing restoration since 2004 as part of a joint effort between the Malta Tourism Authority and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. A noon-day gun is fired from this place daily at midday by FWA historical re-enactors. This display is offered with a running commentary in English explaining the history and proceedings behind the event. Guided tours of this interesting site are offered at 11am and 12.15pm in English.

Entrance to today’s event is free although donations are welcome.

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Notte Magi(ca) – Auberge de Castille revisited

Auberge de Castille shall once more unveil its splendour tonight as Valletta celebrates the feast of the Epiphany in an activity known as Notte Magica. The glowing façade of the Auberge shall be in itself the sign that leads you towards the majestic stairway and invites you to enter one of the finest works of baroque architecture in Valletta.

Julie Zahra’s voice will reverberate across the halls of the monumental edifice during her vocal recital at 10pm. Sections from the Police Band and from the AFM Band will perform at 7.30pm and 11pm respectively on the magnificent internal staircase whose rare degree of architectural excellence is capable of playing the same tunes transposed into different keys. The Ambassador’s Room will be hosting a photo exhibition of Maltese personalities by Tony Mangion from 6.30pm onwards.

Auberge de Castille was the official seat of the knights of the language of Castille, Leon and Portugal.

Like other auberges of the Order, it served its purpose as a residence of knights unprovided with their own home, and for the reception of persons of distinction visiting the islands. Originally built by Girolamo Cassar in 1574 and remodelled by Andrea Belli in 1741, it stands colossal at the top of the highest point of Valletta, inviting eyes to feast on its unparalleled beauty.

Auberge de Castille will be open for public viewing between 7.30pm and 2am.