The opening day ceremonies are one of our favourite traditions at the Battle of Malta. The Spring edition earlier this year took place during the height of Malta’s strawberry season, which resulted in some rather fruity treats for the players.
But as today is Halloween, the treats have been replaced with tricks and the entire Eden Arena was thrown into horror movie mode for a few minutes, before the day’s action got underway.
The lights were dimmed, the music began and a costumed Telly Bartolo, accompanied by suitably seasonal hosts Patrisha and Valeria made their way to the stage, escorted as always by the longsword wielding Knights of the Casino Malta realm. They were joined on stage by a host of skeletons, scary nuns, a Sheikh and a Dracula-like tournament director.
Quite what Telly’s costume was meant to be I’m not quite sure? A pirate? A Genie? An Italian Mine Artist? Answers please!