2018 has arrived and with it, a frenzy of anticipation ahead of this year's long-awaited European Culture Capital, which Valletta has been crowned.

Our gem of a capital city is in full-steam-ahead mode as final tiles are laid, last coats of paint are set to dry, and scaffoldings are finally dismantled to reveal newly cleaned Baroque architectural gems. Earlier this week, the covered marketplace Is-Suq Tal-Belt opened its doors after years of refurbishment, revealing its wonderfully restored 19th-century iron frame and an enticing array of food stalls selling everything from local delicacies to artisanal chocolates.

In 1985, Melina Mercouri, Greece’s minister of culture, and her French counterpart Jack Lang came up with the idea of designating an annual Capital of Culture to bring Europeans closer together by highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures and raising awareness of their common history and values. This year, Valletta holds the title alongside Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.

In celebration of this unique event, cultural events shall be taking place over the year not just in Valletta, but across other towns on the islands of Malta and Gozo including Kalkara, Sliema and Ghajnsielem.

To view the full line-up of events, visit the official Valletta 2018 website and mark your calendars!