The Great Spring Horticultural Show is set to bloom across San Anton Gardens

As Spring blooms across this magical little isle, The Malta Horticulture Society is set to launch its latest edition of The Great Spring Horticultural Show that will take place in San Anton Gardens in Attard on May 6 and 7.

An annual festival of floral arrangements, plants, fruit, vegetables and crafts displayed in a historic garden setting, this year's edition shall also see The Russian Chapel especially adorned with flowers for the occasion. The event will also play host to an extensive programme of dancing exhibitions, folk music and presentations designed to embrace and celebrate the season.

For further details and for a full outline of the programme, visit the Society's website here.

Celebrating Easter the Maltese way

Easter marks one of the most important festivities in the Christian calendar, and in Malta, locals embrace age-old traditions and customs which are distinct and unique to these isles.

Holy Week officially begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On the evening of Maundy Thursday, churches are stripped of their silver and damask in sign of mourning and thousands of people visit seven churches to pay their respects at the Altar of Repose. The following day - Good Friday - processions are held across differing villages and hamlets across Malta, including in Birgu, which commence at 5:30pm and see numerous life-size statues being carried by pall bearers. The mood is subdued and reflective, as Christians in Malta and across the world commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus.

Spirits are lifted on Easter Sunday, as joyful church bells ring and fireworks are heard throughout villages. The feast is known in Maltese as Kristu Rxoxt (the Risen Christ), and following exuberant processions in the streets with the statue of the Risen Christ, families gather to enjoy a rich Easter Sunday lunch, which typically includes lamb and is topped off by traditional figolli almond pastries.

Valletta Concours D'Elegance 2017

2017 marks the launch of the first edition of the Valletta Concours D'Elegance, which will take place on Sunday, April 23. Set within the walls of the historic Baroque city of Valletta, the capital will host a selection of Malta's finest historic automobiles. Internationally renowned judges shall decide on the best car entrant in each category whilst celebrating a love of vintage and classic cars.

In occasion of this event's debut, we're offering our guests a bottle of prosecco and return water-taxi tickets to Valletta on the day. Valid only for bookings between 21/04 and 23/04 using promotional code "IHEARTCC".

Celebrating authentic Maltese food with Maria Shebets: Sardines Escabeche with tomatoes

Image courtesy of Maria Shebets

Our hospitality ethos reflects a deep-rooted passion for this magical, Mediterranean isle, and we love collaborating with Malta-based brands and people that share our passion across differing fields.

We are delighted to launch a monthly collaboration with the talented food influencer Maria Shebets, who loves sharing the richness of Malta's food heritage through her articles, recipes and insights published on her digital platform. Each month, we'll be sharing her latest recipes that combine the best of seasonal ingredients with her unique culinary creativity and flair.

Our first entry features the humble sardine, which is not only packed with nutrients that are essential for your health (protein,calcium, iron and potassium, vitamin B12, along with omega-3 fats) but is also a sustainable fish, as recommended by Fish 4 Tomorrow. Paired with juicy Malta-grown tomatoes, this dish perfectly encapsulates the Mediterranean spirit. To read the full receipe by Maria, visit her page here.