The Maltese Embassy in Athens, Greece, announces two special activities to mark the occasion of Valletta – European Capital of Culture 2018.

Sunday 13 May 2018 between 11.00 and 14.00 – A public parade by the Soċjeta’  Mużikali tal-Karmnu, Balluta – Malta and the City of Athens Philharmonic Band – Greece. The parade will start from Syntagma Square with the playing of the two national anthems and the European anthem. The first part of the parade will depart from Syntagma Square towards Ermou Street. The second part will go through the Acropolis pedestrian zone via Dionysiu Areopagitou Street, Apostolou Pavlou Street and Ag. Asomaton Street.

Monday 14 May 2018 at 19.00 –  A symphonic concert featuring Maltese and Greek music by the Soċjeta’  Mużikali tal-Karmnu, Balluta – Malta, under the auspices of the Mayor of Athens, Mr Georgios Kaminis. The Greek Minister for Culture and Sports, Mrs Lydia Koniordou, will be honouring the concert with her presence. Also invited to the concert are various distinguished guests from the two countries, including the Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Dr Deo Debattista, the Chairman of the Valletta 2018 Foundation Mr Jason Micallef, and the Chairman of the Malta Arts Council Mr Albert Marshall. The concert will take place in front of the City Hall in Kotzia Square. The concert repertoire will include musical pieces from renowned composers of the two countries, among them Carlo Diacono, Mikis Theodorakis, Abel J. Mizzi, Carmelo Pace, Raymond Sant, Charles Camilleri, Alfred Farrugia, the Balluta musical society director Nicholas Vella, and his assistant, Christopher Vella.

The two activities are being organized on the initiative of the Cultural Diplomacy Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and the much appreciated support of the sponsors, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018, the Valletta 2018 Foundation, the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Malta Arts Council, the Honorary Consul General for Athens and the Greek Islands, Mr Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos, B2B Gaming Service – Malta, McDonalds, Intralot and Melita Power Diesel Ltd, Malta.

This special occasion not only marks this historic moment for Malta and its Capital City, but also celebrates the excellent relations that exist between Malta and Greece in several sectors. His Excellency the Maltese Ambassador for Greece, Joseph Cuschieri, said: “This is yet another occasion to show how Malta and Greece can work more together by way of strengthening their already excellent relations, not only in the trade and political fields, but also in other sectors, such as culture, the arts and innovation, with the creation of mutual opportunities and exchanges.”

While thanking all those who have worked together to make these activities happen, the Maltese Ambassador said the public is invited to attend and to take a happy part in them.

Valletta 2018 souvenirs will be distributed during both activities.​