For the thirteenth time in a row, the Embassy of Malta in Berlin took part in the ‘All Nations Festival’ on Saturday 15th June. Together with other embassies and cultural institutes it opened its doors to a constant stream of visitors from the Berlin general public, tourists, and representatives of other embassies and institutions. This popular event, which forms an integral part of the Berlin calendar of annual events, gives visitors the opportunity to enter and explore embassies as well as cultural and political institutes.

Guests were greeted by the embassy staff, who answered queries on the embassy’s work, aspects of Maltese history, economy, cultural life and English language learning, among other subjects. A total of about 1000 people visited the embassy during the course of the day.

As this year’s ‘theme’ was superstition, the embassy prepared posters narrating Maltese myths and superstitions. The story of the apostle St. Paul, who was bitten by a snake as well as the eye of Horus, found for example on Maltese fishing boats and watch towers in Malta, formed part of this theme.

Maltese stamps, photos and handicrafts such as sculptures made of limestone and glass were also exhibited and the embassy’s conference room served as a ‘cinema’ where short films on Valletta, Malta’s archaeological heritage, cultural life, and the village festa were shown.

Children were able to try their luck on a fortune wheel for the chance to win Playmobil Knights of Malta figurines supplied by Playmobil Malta. During regular raffles Malta-themed prizes were given away to visitors, such as Maltese wine, Kinnie, books on Maltese culture and replicas of the ‘fat ladies’. The event was kindly supported by MTA which, apart from providing various promotional materials, also sponsored giveaways.