The 'five senses' take centre stage
The five senses take centre stage as Malta officially launches the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue on Friday. Around 50 performers, animators and artisans will come together in a feast of sound, vision, taste, touch and smell, dubbed 'Festa 5'.
The five senses take centre stage as Malta officially launches the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue on Friday.
Around 50 performers, animators and artisans will come together in a feast of sound, vision, taste, touch and smell, dubbed 'Festa 5'. The evening will present dance, music, exhibitions, children's activities, films and food from around the world.
The intercultural feast is free of charge and will be held at St James Cavalier, Valletta, from 7 p.m. onwards. Visitors will be able to participate in a diverse mix of short performances and actions taking place in different spaces around the centre.
All visitors would be able to savour food from the four corners of the world, which will be specially prepared by members from the diverse communities living in Malta.
In a specially devised children's programme animators will present workshops that include Arabic, Hebrew and Phoenician writing.
Flamenco performances by Rosana Maya and Maria del Sol will take visitors on a journey from India to Spain, stimulating the senses that evoke the emotions of dance. Aspiring dancers can also join Oxley of London during an energetic Salsa session and Aldo Calleja for tango.
Classical music enthusiasts would have the pleasure of listening to a 20-minute music presentation by violinist Sarah Spiteri and pianist Alex Vella Gregory.
Another highlight of the evening will be the launching of a new music ensemble made up of migrants teaming up with other Maltese artists led by percussionist Renzo Spiteri.
Visitors will also be able to view an exhibition on the art of Chinese kites while listening to Chinese performers and a Tai Ji demonstration, among other events.
The evening will round off with a DJ set of electronic and ethnic sounds from around the world.
The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue is an EU initiative co-ordinated in Malta by St James Cavalier. A full programme is available on www.sjcav.org or www.dialogue2008.eu. For further information e-mail euproject@sjcav.org or s.dalli@media-consulta.com.