You’re on a beautiful island in the heart of the Mediterranean, surrounded by nothing but picturesque countryside, blue sea and incredible coastlines. You are in the presence of the gorgeous chapel of San Dimitri, shrouded in the mystery of its famous legend and feeling like it just may come true again. Looking up at the clouds, you can see a million different shapes and colors. It’s not a trick of the imagination, it’s the International Kite and Wind Festival held in Gozo!
Kiting Through the Ages
Kiting is no new phenomenon. The noble sport dates back all the way to the 5th century. Many accounts point to their use as a vessel for sending messages on rescue missions. Still more ancient uses for kites include measuring distances and lifting men (or attempting to). Kites even played a hand in the time of Space Age inventions. Most importantly and in a rather symbolic manner, kites were used to measure the very thing that makes them run: the wind.
Gozo’s Crazy Kites
The Kite and Wind Festival pays homage to the extensive history of the often-overlooked kite. It combines the craftsmanship and science that first gave birth to the sport of kite flying. Participants show off kites of all makes and designs. Herein lies another bit of history: traditional kite imagery. Keep an eye out for intricate dragons and hand painted birds! The first kites were made of paper and sported mythical creatures and illustrations. It seems that the idea of dragons, horses and whales flying in broad daylight has never lacked luster. Nor does it now. Just last year, the sky transformed into the sea for a day as seafaring creatures like rainbow koi fish and kraken sized golden jellyfish graced the Gozitan skies.
But perhaps the most undeniably pure use for the kite and a major part of the festival’s focus is very simple. Children’s pure enjoyment. Since the first pear-shaped kite hit the current of the wind in the 17th century, kites have been almost synonymous with play. The festival honors this and if you and your children are lucky enough, you might even see a beloved cartoon character taking to the sky.
What to Expect
October 19th and 20th 2024 mark the dates for the 7th annual Kite and Wind Festival, hosted in the San Dimitri Area of Gharb Gozo. The festivity will take up the entirety of the weekend. An array of skillfully synchronized kites will grace the evening sky. The fliers are a hand picked group of professionals of international origin. More than 20 teams will be participating, representing their kites and cultures.The festival has a track record of including a wide variety of cultures in its opening parade, Germany, France, Vietnam and Japan being only a few previous participants.
In true Maltese fashion, the weekend will include a trademark of celebration: fireworks and food. Kite building and flying classes will allow participants to cultivate their craftsmanship. Games will be organized, along with activities to fulfill the imaginations of the young minds present.The festival is truly one for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The past renditions of the Gozo Kite and Wind festival have been a success. The Gharb local council aims to provide a still bigger attraction this year. The organization of the event has involved coordinating and “hosting over 50 kite-flying enthusiasts from around the world”.
How to Get There
Gozo is secluded enough from the Maltese mainland to give the impression of perfect solitude. However, it is incredibly easy to travel between the two islands. The ferry system makes for a very efficient trip. A ferry departs from Cirkewwa in Mellieha every 30 minutes, costing you less than ten euros. Cabs and buses are readily available in Malta to deliver you to the departure point of the ferry, which takes a total of 25 minutes to arrive. More cabs await you at the touchdown point in Gozo to take you to the festival in Gharb. Alternatively, take the 301 bus to Victoria and switch to bus line 312 to deliver you straight to Gharb.
The mix of cultures you will encounter there will not only make for a fantastic array of kites but a fun and diverse social scene. The Gharb Local Council, headed by Mayor David Apap Agius, stated their favorite aspect of the festival so far has been seeing “families together in the countryside, playing and sharing meals”. They aim to annually bring about the atmosphere to cultivate these relationships through the art and sport of kite flying.
All photos provided in the above article are courtesy of Gharb Local Council, and pucture the 2023 Gozo International Kite and Wind Festival.
