Welcome to Pocket Malta

Local Traditions

From the scent of Maltese bread to the shimmering gold of olive oil, from lively local music to the glinting life of silver filigree... Often rooted in the island’s past and surrounded by the scents of home and childhood memories, this section explores the islands’ ancient traditions

Keep the Music Alive

Previously the domain of humble village bars, Maltese music has recently made a powerful comeback and is now as relevant and urgent as ever. PocketMalta chats to three local bands who are keeping the music alive – while making it new… read more

Shaped by fire

Fragile and strong, intricate yet simple, silver filigree still possesses a moving vitality, discovers Jo Caruana. Here she meets a young craftsman who has been breathing new life into the beautiful and fading craft – and watches as the metal comes to life before her eyes… read more

Liquid Gold

Rich and sweet, thick and golden, honey has been produced since ancient times and can last for thousands of years. As the scent of spring fills the air, Marika Azzopardi explores the golden liquid’s quasi-magical properties … read more

A Burst of Sunshine

Previously considered a humble fruit, the prickly pear has made a comeback in recent years, bringing a burst of summer, wherever you are … read more

A Lost World

Surrounded by the wild and enchanting beauty of Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna Bay, a sense of mystery and yearning seems to hang over the village of Mgarr. Here, far off the tourist radar, driving into the village feels like stumbling upon an undiscovered country … read more

Patterns of Life

Like the threads she skillfully winds around needles, Marika Camilleri’s whole life is intertwined with lacemaking. Here she explains how the traditional craft is slowly being reinvented… read more

Fruit of the earth

Marika Azzopardi heads down to Malta’s deep south to visit the vineyards of Carmel Buhagiar, as the grapes mature slowly in the summer sun… read more

Waves of Memories

Nestor Laiviera meets Svetlik Agius, traditional boatbuilder and restorer, whose trade – like the colourful luzzus he restores – is in danger of becoming just another memory… read more

The Djaletti Festivals

“Everyone loses if one language is lost because then a nation and culture lose their memory, and so does the complex tapestry from which the world is woven and which makes the world an exciting place” Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Unesco Goodwill Ambassador for Languages… read more

Ta' Zeppi

If you are a food buff, then a vist to Joseph Borg’s (aka Ta’ Zeppi) organic farm in Fawwara, l/o Siggiewi is an absolute must. The olive groves are located on the southern coast of Malta, in a rural area known as Fawwara, on the outskirts of the village of Siggiewi… read more

Dead Men's Bones ( issue 31 - November)

Corinne Nani enjoys discovering a popular recipe which comes to the fore in the month of the dead in Malta… read more