Visitors to Gozo this weekend should be aware that the island’s main thoroughfare in Victoria will be closed for traffic on Saturday and Sunday, for the horse racing and band concert, as Santa Marija festivities get underway.

The Aurora Theatre, also home to the Leone Band Club, said that on Saturday, the traditional street horse races, organised annually to celebrate Santa Marija. ”Older than the world-famous Palio di Siena, these horse races, Tigrijiet in Maltese, have lent their name to what we now know as Republic Street – Triq it-Tigrija. Races start at 5pm and will not be over before the whole set of 70 courses are over.”

Then, it’s time for open-air music on Sunday. The Leone Band will set up its stage right in front of the Aurora Opera House for a symphonic concert in the evening. This year the is the 50th anniversary since the official opening of the Aurora Opera House.

The Leone Band, led by Musical Director Colin Attard, will provide and evening of musical entertainment, including fireworks and much more.

Sunday’s concert is free of charge. It’s a seated event, please send a text to +356 79045779, to reserve seats, quoting name and surname and the number of seats required. The concert starts at 9pm. Anytime between 8pm and 8:45pm, ushers will be on site showing people the way to their sea

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