Partit Demokratiku has welcomed the initiative being taken by the Ministry of Justice and Culture to list Maltese traditional folk singing, known as l-għana, and the locally baked bread, il-ftira, as intangible world heritage items by applying for UNESCO recognition.

PD, however, noted that the selection board has failed to accept the recommendation to similarly list the Maltese festa.

"Village feasts are a singular hallmark of Maltese culture. Each festa is a joyous event: a multi-faceted, authentic, communal celebration, which, on the one hand, hosts a social and cultural dimension, and on the other hand, still holds onto deeply rooted traditions, which for centuries have embraced the Catholic faith and rituals. a PD statement read.

"If foreign experts consulted did not appreciate the heritage of wealth and the socio-cultural identity feasts bestow on to us, then the selection board should have at least consulted with the previous working committee appointed by the Ministry or at least select a particular facet, like street decorations, and apply for their recognition," a PD statement read, noting feasts historical connotations and decorative street ornaments such as Malta Rebbieħa; the Arka Trijonfali; and the Trofej.

"This festive street decor is authentic to Malta and they are further embellished by Civil and Ecclesiastical decorative emblems which are a living testimony of different layers of Maltese history and culture."

"There is no false modesty in celebrating the feasts' intangible heritage. It reflects the prosperity enjoyed by successive generations of village residents, our roots, our patrimony, and the people's high regard of a nation that prides itself on stating that Maltese feasts personify Malta's culture."