Malta » Entertainment in Valletta

While Maltese music today is largely western, traditional Maltese music includes what is known as "ghana" (pronounced as aana). This consists of background folk guitar music, while two or three persons take it in turns to argue a point in a melodic voice. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvised, are to create a friendly yet challenging atmosphere, and takes a number of years of practice to be able to combine the required artistic qualities with the ability to debate effectively.

A very interesting fact is that the improvised tune is normally sung in an Arabic Mode with quartertones while the accompaniment is in Tonality, i.e. in a Western European Mode. Other Maltese music is folk music with emphasis on guitar and tambourine; instrumental music is called daqqaqa. Wind band music, with strong Spanish and Italian influences, is also popular at each annual village or town festival (festa).

The Islands have a vibrant calendar of theatre and concerts, classical and modern. Many are held outdoors or in historic venues. There are annual cultural events such as the three-month summer Malta fest. Another regular is the international Jazz Festival in July. Now over ten years old, it’s seen legends and newcomers perform in a spectacular venue by floodlit Grand Harbour. As a country providing locations for some Oscar-winning films, Malta is naturally a film-loving society. The Islands have several state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas always with the latest releases.