The year 2015 marked a special year for AEGEE as it graciously turned 30, and we at AEGEE-Valletta made sure to celebrate this milestone with a super summer event! Over 100 AEGEEans from every corner of Europe (and beyond!) joined us for one solid week of themed parties, sun, sea and culture. Beginning on the 31st of August and lasting till the 6th of September, the packed itinerary took the lucky participants all over the Maltese islands.
Group photo in Cittadella, Gozo
Upon arrival, everyone was greeted by the Maltese organisers and given a room at the hostel where later on in the evening an opening ceremony was held. Jokes and laughter prevailed as our new and old friends got a little insight into what makes a Maltese person tick. After this presentation, all were ready to party hard into the night Maltese – style, at one of the best known clubs in Paceville. With free drink coupons, beer kegs, and pitchers, it was a total success!
Our President Luke, introducing the Maltese table on European night
The following day started early, and was spent on two of our islands’ most beautiful beaches. Beach games were played, sunblocks were applied, and well needed naps were taken under umbrellas in preparation for the most highly anticipated night of the event – European night. Held in the hostels’ lovely garden, we drank, ate, and danced the night away. From Australian vegemite on bread, to Slovak rabbit cheese; from Hungary’s famous Palinka, to Holland’s deadly Gold Strike and Sicily’s Fuoco del Etna. Everything could be found on our participants’ tables!
The next morning it was back to school for a short while, with a Maltese language lesson being held for our eager students. Afterwards, everyone got the chance to see our beautifully unique capital Valletta whilst also engaging in a fun filled treasure hunt. Another themed party in Paceville concluded the night.
A boat party and a day trip to Gozo were planned for the following two days. They were a great success with the boat party being a highlight of the entire trip. Non-stop sun and parties awaited our participants! In Gozo we visited the Cittadella, Dwejra arch where Game of Thrones was filmed, and swam in the crystal clear waters of Ramla l-Hamra. A night trip to Malta’s old capital city was held after the boat party, whereas an unbelievable party wrapped up the day after the Gozo trip at one of Malta’s most well renowned clubs.
On their last full day in Malta, our dear friends got to see the old fortified city of Birgu, the market in the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk, as well as swim in the exciting bay called Saint Peter’s Pool. Here, they were lucky enough to witness the truly exceptional cliff diving dog named Titti, who comes to this bay with her owner every day!
To conclude, these days in Malta may have been few in their number, but great in the memories and friendships that were created! The true Spirit of AEGEE was always present, and it was such a pleasure getting to know everyone, and hosting our friends in our beautiful home!
Say cheese everyone! And hold your breath!
If interested in being part of such an unforgettable event, do not hesitate to become a member of any AEGEE antenna to be able to apply for Summer as well as Winter events, exchanges and many more exciting opportunities all over Europe! We truly can’t wait to welcome more people in our future events! For more information on AEGEE, please visit the following link or get in touch with AEGEE-Valletta!
