You know that I love a good festival.  And you’ve probably heard me wax poetic a time or two about my love for the island of Malta.  Put them together and you’ve got one happy traveling Mom.

I could give you about 5,000 reasons to go to Malta.  Sun, sea, great food, history, incredible sites, scenic beauty – Malta truly is a destination that has it all.  But here’s one more reason to go:  Malta hosts one of the most family-friendly parties I’ve ever encountered.

Each year, Valletta, Malta’s capital, hosts Notte Bianca, or White Night.  Many cities across Europe have White Night celebrations – but like anything else, Malta manages to make this one all her own.

Though many may laud it as an all-night party (which it is), it’s actually a celebration of art and culture.  And it’s a celebration that opens the entire city for the whole night.  Museums, heritage sites and attractions of interest are open free of charge.  Dancers, artists and musicians fill the streets.  Venues host all manner of theater and art performances.  Historic re-enactments greet you at every turn.  Local cafes and wine bars hang incredible art.  And the food?  Well, stalls line the streets that will tempt even the most stalwart dieter.  You can grab anything from a local delicacies to a bratwurst.

The best part (you know, beyond the fact that it’s free)?  It’s incredibly family friendly.  Ignore the all-night part (although, that could be a serious draw for older kids) and go right after opening.  Your kid will have a blast dancing to great live music, seeing how medieval knights really fought with swords, making bubbles with sticks and strings and watching all the merrymaking.

And just as importantly, you will, too.

Looking for a great place to stay during Notte Bianca?  Check out one of my favorite all-time hotels, Valletta’s Hotel Phoenicia.  Mere steps away from the main gates of Valletta, it’s the perfect place to enjoy all the festivities and then retire once the kids start to fade.

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