🎉 Hooray! We've hit a milestone of 500 subscribers on our channel @malta. When we started posting at the end of December, we weren't sure if Telegram was popular in Malta, but in less than three months, our community has grown significantly. 📈 We're thrilled with this incredible result, and we want to thank each and every one of you for sharing our posts, leaving comments, and following our channel. We couldn't have done it without your support! 🔥🤔

To mark this special occasion, we asked the AI ​​Midjourney to create an image celebrating our achievement of 500 subscribers on "Malta Online." We think it's a great representation of our excitement and progress. 🎨

Thank you once again for being a part of our community. We're looking forward to continuing to share interesting and relevant content with you all. 🎈🇲🇹👍🏼

Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, has a well-developed public transport system that makes it easy for locals and tourists alike to travel around the country. In this post, we'll take a closer look at public transport in Malta and how you can make the most of it during your stay.

The main mode of public transport in Malta is the bus, operated by a company called Malta Public Transport (MPT). MPT operates an extensive network of bus routes that cover the entire island, including popular tourist destinations like Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, and the Malta International Airport.

The bus service in Malta is generally reliable and affordable, with fares ranging from €1.50 to €3.00 depending on the distance traveled. You can purchase tickets on the bus itself, although it's worth noting that cash is not accepted, so you'll need to use a contactless card or buy a paper ticket from a kiosk or vending machine before boarding. 🚍

If you plan to use the bus regularly during your stay in Malta, it's worth considering purchasing a Tallinja Card. This is a reusable card that you can load with credit and use to pay for bus fares, with discounts available for regular users. You can purchase a Tallinja Card (15€) from various outlets across the island, including at the airport and in Valletta or just register online (+~3€ delievery) and use at almost all buses absolutely free (from 1th october 2022): https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/register-now

In addition to buses, Malta also has a limited rail service operated by the Malta Railway Museum. The railway runs a tourist-oriented route between Valletta and Mdina, with vintage trains and carriages that offer a unique and nostalgic way to travel around the island. 🚂

Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Valletta or soaking up the sun on one of Malta's many beautiful beaches, the bus and rail services in Malta make it easy to get where you need to go. 🚍🚂✈️

On March 19th, Malta celebrates the feast day of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers and the protector of the Maltese people. Saint Joseph is renowned for his humility, devotion, and strong work ethic, which are highly regarded in Maltese culture.

The main celebrations for Saint Joseph Day take place in Rabat and Mdina, which are the old capital of Malta. Although some businesses close for the Feast of Saint Joseph, most restaurants, cafes, and bars remain open as usual. The day is marked by special masses held at various locations, with the National Sanctuary of Saint Joseph and the Church of Saint Mary of Jesus being the most popular ones.

Saint Joseph Day in Rabat is particularly special, with colorful processions featuring multiple bands marching through the streets and playing festive hymns. The processions commence with the carrying of the relics of Saint Joseph on the day before the feast, while the main procession takes place in the evening, with the statue of Saint Joseph being carried from the National Sanctuary to the Church of Saint Mary of Jesus.

The Maltese people's love of fireworks is a sight to behold during the processions, with various colorful flares set off in the sky throughout the day, culminating in an impressive display by the triumphal arch at the end of the weekend's events.

Overall, Saint Joseph Day is an important holiday for the Maltese people, who pay tribute to Saint Joseph's virtues and recall his example of hard work, faith, hope, and love. It's a time for coming together in celebration and contemplation, with special masses, festive processions, and fireworks displays throughout Malta. Happy Saint Joseph Day to all in Malta!🙏

🇲🇹 Get ready to celebrate Freedom Day, Malta! On March 31st, we commemorate the country's independence and freedom from British rule, which was granted on this day in 1979.

Freedom Day is an important national holiday in Malta, and it is celebrated with a range of events and activities across the island. From flag-raising ceremonies and parades to concerts and cultural events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

As we celebrate Freedom Day, let us remember the struggles that the country has overcome to achieve independence and freedom. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for Malta's independence, and to celebrate the country's achievements since then.

Let us also remember the importance of democracy, freedom, and human rights, and honor the courage and determination of those who fought for Malta's independence. As we look to the future with hope and optimism, let us continue to work towards a better, more peaceful, and more just world.

P.S. Here is the photo of Freedom Day Monument in Birgu. This monument is a symbol of Malta's struggle for independence and features a bronze statue of a man breaking free from chains, representing the country's liberation from colonial rule. The monument was designed by Maltese sculptor Anton Agius and unveiled in 1989 to mark the 10th anniversary of Malta's independence. 🇲🇹

🎉 Happy Freedom Day, Malta! 🇲🇹

🥟 🇲🇹 In a surprising turn of events, it has been announced that the Maltese government will be replacing the traditional Maltese cross on their national flag with a picture of a pastizzi. The decision was reportedly made after extensive research revealed that the pastizzi is the most beloved and iconic Maltese symbol.

The new flag design features a golden pastizzi in the center, surrounded by a red and white pastry shell. The announcement has sparked a mixed reaction among the Maltese people, with some hailing it as a brilliant move that will cement Malta's status as the culinary capital of the Mediterranean, while others have expressed disappointment and even outrage at the change.
In response to the backlash, a government spokesperson stated that the decision was not taken lightly, but that they believe it reflects the true essence of Malta as a nation of foodies and pastry lovers.

Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that the new flag design is sure to turn heads and get people talking. What do you think of the new pastizzi flag, Malta? 🇲🇹🥟

🐣 This year, Easter Sunday falls on 9th April 2023, and Good Friday (7th April), both are public holidays in Malta.

Easter is a significant holiday in Malta, with the majority of the population being Catholic. It is a time for religious observation, family gatherings, and traditional festivities.

The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is marked by solemn processions and religious services. One of the most important events is the procession of the Dead Christ on Good Friday, where a statue of Jesus Christ is carried through the streets of many Maltese towns and villages, accompanied by mournful music.

Easter Sunday, on the other hand, is a joyful celebration of Christ's resurrection. It is a day of family gatherings and feasting, with traditional Easter dishes such as roast lamb and figolli, which are almond-filled pastry Easter eggs.
Apart from the religious observances, there are also some unique Easter traditions in Malta, such as the 'Figolla Run'. This is a race where participants carry figolli pastries while running through the streets. The winner is the person who reaches the finish line with their figolla intact!

Overall, Easter in Malta is a time for reflection, celebration, and joy, where the religious and cultural traditions of the island come together to create a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike. 🥚

Hundreds of fire bowls will make up a traditional Good Friday installation in St George’s Square, Valletta, during Holy Week, creating a space for reflection while serving as an attraction in the heart of Valletta.

This event is organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency.

Malta Artisan Markets, Easter edition, will be held in the beautiful grounds of the Phoenicia Malta on Saturday, April 8th from 10am to 6pm. Immerse yourself in the exquisite surroundings of this historic Art Deco hotel in Floriana, and indulge in a day of shopping and entertainment.

Discover unique handmade products from local artisans while enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks by The Phoenicia Malta on the lush lawns. Groove to the beats of DJ Don Peltrinsky as you soak in the festive atmosphere.

Entrance is free, and convenient parking is available just across the road. For those using public transportation, the main bus terminus is also located across the road from the hotel. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Malta Artisan Markets in the picturesque setting of the Phoenicia Malta.

Wishing a peaceful Good Friday, Malta! P.S.: AI generated picture for this phrase🙏🏼

Happy Easter, Malta! 🥚 🐇

💥 Not a fan of noisy fireworks? Looking for a peaceful Sunday outing in Malta? Join an international picnic this Sunday, April 23rd. The event promises a serene and sunny weather ☀️😎 and starts at 2:00 pm in Pembroke. Here's the meeting point location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/auuToDxhaxoTWpTz6?g_st=ic
The program for the picnic includes:
• Popcorn and Coca-Cola refreshments 🍿🥤
• Barbecue grills, but don't forget to bring your own meat and coal if you're planning to grill 🍖
• Bring your own food and drinks too.
• The atmosphere will be made soulful with two big speakers playing music 🎶
This event aims to bring people in Malta together to make new friends 😎. Check out the event group here: https://t.me/Picnic_Malta

😒 At approximately 00:19 on April 22, a magnitude-5.5 earthquake took place in the Mediterranean Sea, southeast of Malta, with its epicenter located about 101 km (68 miles) southeast of Birzebbugia. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 11 km (7 miles). While weak-to-light shaking was felt throughout Malta, southeastern Sicily likely experienced only weak tremors. No initial reports of casualties or damages have been received; significant damage is improbable, although it may take several hours to evaluate any comprehensive damage, particularly in remote areas. Over the next few days, minor aftershocks are possible. There are no tsunami advisories related to the incident.
Transportation infrastructure in the affected area may be temporarily closed by officials to inspect for damage, potentially resulting in minor disruptions. However, if no harm is discovered, service is expected to resume quickly. Utility outages are possible, especially near the earthquake's epicenter. Take care yourself! 🙏🏼