With its wide range of tourist activities, historical monuments and pleasant climate, there are already plenty of reasons to visit the beautiful Mediterranean archipelago of Malta. If you're looking for one more, though, perhaps the Notte Bianca city-wide festival in the capital Valletta will persuade you.
A host of free cultural activities – theatre, music, dance, literature, visual arts, parades, tours, talks, reenactments, displays and exhibitions – at over 70 different venues are on offer to provide you with plenty of reasons to stay out all night and enjoy the talents of local and international artists of all genres.
This is the sixth edition of the Notte Bianca – literally 'white night', an idiom used to describe a sleepless night – an event that is also celebrated in other European cities including Paris, Rome and Brussels. During the event, the city's cultural centres, theatres and museums open their doors throughout the night with special exhibitions and performances, while the streets become stages on which an extensive programme of activities and entertainment for all ages and tastes will be performed.
The night air will vibrate with the sounds of music as varied as Chopin, contemporary jazz, traditional folk music and heavy metal, and as an added incentive, this year, the most prestigious Maltese master chefs will be joining in the fun, offering a chance to enjoy the best cuisine Malta has to offer.