The second edition of the Notte Bianca activities in Valletta was another success in terms of participation, as thousands of Maltese people thronged the streets of the capital city to entertain themselves and, why not, learn something new too.

The organisers learnt from the mistakes – if you can call them such – encountered last year, and made amends. In the first edition, nobody expected so many people to turn up for the activity, so much so that the traffic problems were enormous and restaurants and bars had run out of food and drink too.

This time, there was a better plan and, although once again the Maltese responded well to the call, the organisation was much smoother. The transport arrangements functioned well and no traffic problems were reported.

The activity per se was once again varied, entertaining and enriching too. People did not seem to bother as they waited in long queues to enter Castille or visit the Museum of Archaeology.

It was a chance for many to visit places that are normally closed to the public in the evenings, and many took the opportunity to come in touch with the country’s rich history and culture. Timings were kept to near perfection, and the large amount of volunteers that were present in every part of the city were very helpful with people seeking information.

The fact that most households received a plan of what was to take place in the city enabled many to draw up a list of things they wanted to do or activities they want to attend. Perhaps they did not manage everything, but it is certain that they went back home after having enjoyed themselves.

There was something for everyone, although some expected more activities to be held specifically for children. But this was somewhat a blessing in disguise too, as many children accompanied their parents to places they had never been to before, rather than spend their time watching some performers who they can see at any time during the year.

For the younger ones, having the chance to visit the National Library or St John’s Co-Cathedral was certainly a more enriching experience than, say, listening to some music or watching a performance.

The success of Notte Bianca shows that the Maltese are thirsty for such activities and they always respond well each time something like this is organised. Given the chance, they are eager to learn more about our history and traditions, and to attend activities that are “different” from the usual events they attend.

Added to this, it was yet another example that Valletta can be “alive” in the evenings if activities are held there. Shops remained open much later than they normally do and many restaurants were seen full up over several hours. We are sure that Valletta businessmen made the most of it, and this time they were not caught off-guard.

One sour note was the state of Merchants’ Street. The project to re-construct the road has as yet to be completed and the presence of so many thousands of people walking along the road raised heavy dust that must have affected people who suffer from allergies. One hopes that this will not be an issue next year too.

The success of such activities should encourage the organisers to further improve. While Valletta should remain a centre for this year event – and perhaps the venue for another Notte Magica in January – other venues should be considered for similar activities. A similar event was held in Gozo last May, and therefore places like Sliema, St Julian’s, Marsascala, Mellieha and St Paul’s Bay should be considered for such massive entertaining events, particularly during the warmer months.