It is with pride and joy that I share with you the recent showcase of the Festa Maltija (the Maltese feast) in the heart of Brussels, which we set up alongside the dedicated efforts of the hardworking Member of the European Parliament, Alex Agius Saliba. This exhibition has its  own significance given that our cherished festival has been officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Fourteen vibrant musical societies, deeply rooted in the Maltese Festa traditions, came together to participate in this grand exhibition. The showcase serves as a testament to the tangible and integral role that the Maltese Festa plays in shaping our nation's rich cultural tapestry. As we stand on the global stage, we take pride in sharing the unique traditions that define us.

In almost every locality in Malta and Gozo, our communities come together to celebrate the festa of their patron saints. The festa is not just an event; it is a symphony of internal and external celebrations, with ground and fireworks lighting up the skies, traditional band clubs filling the air with melodies, and grand processions featuring the titular statues. These age-old traditions, passed down from our ancestors through generations, embody the spirit of our heritage, and we are unwavering in our commitment to promoting this beautiful cultural expression both within our borders and far beyond.

The significance of the exhibition being hosted in the European Parliament must be underlined. It is a moment of great prestige for the countless volunteers who tirelessly contribute to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. With the valuable support of MEP Agius Saliba, the splendid aspects of the Maltese Festa are now being appreciated within this esteemed European institution and beyond, casting a spotlight on the dedication of those who work passionately in this field.  I was told, during the opening of the exhibition, that many MEPs and EP functionaries visited the space, learning more about this beautiful aspect of our culture.  Some remarked whether the bandalori are used to decorate palaces and were surprised to get to know that actually they are used to decorate streets and open spaces in the time of the festa!

Wandering through the exhibition, one encounters banners adorned with emblems and portraits reflecting the richness of our folklore and history. From the iconic Maltese Cross to elements inspired by the Order of the Knights, these symbols resonate with the deep cultural roots that define us. Objects of traditional value are on display, providing a glimpse into the soul of our nation and the enduring traditions that have shaped our identity.

Adding a modern touch to the exhibition, two screens showcase captivating moments from the Maltese Festa. These visual representations capture the essence of our celebrations, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant energy and cultural significance that define our festivals.

Curated by the talented Artistic Director, Antoine Farrugia, the exhibition is more than a mere display; it is an immersive experience. For anyone strolling through the streets or cities adorned for the Festa, it serves as a celebration of our cultural heritage, inviting people from all corners of the globe to witness the beauty and uniqueness of the Maltese festivity.

As we share our traditional Festa with the world, let us take pride in our cultural richness and heritage. May this exhibition serve as a beacon, inviting people worldwide to join us in celebrating the Maltese Festa and embracing the beauty of our traditions.

Preserving Maritime traditions

In the heart of Marsaxlokk, a picturesque Maltese fishing village, a century-old vessel is poised to embark on a renewed voyage through time. Under the collaborative efforts of NGO Marsaxlokk Heritage, the Maltese Tourism Authority, and Heritage Malta, the project which will see the restoration of a firilla has set sail, breathing new life into a traditional fishing boat that once gracefully navigated the seas surrounding our country.

Our goal is clear: to resurrect and preserve our traditions. This noble endeavor seeks, in this case, to revive a once-abandoned fishing boat, meticulously restoring it to its former glory. The vessel, a symbol of our maritime heritage, will be equipped with traditional rigging, transforming it into a captivating attraction at the historic port of Marsaxlokk.

This particular boat, steeped in a century of seafaring history, stands as a testament to the dedication of our agency. With the invaluable support of the Digitalization Department at Heritage Malta, this restoration project will be meticulously documented, adding to our ongoing commitment to safeguard and showcase our historical treasures.

Beyond the realms of commercialization, this initiative underscores our commitment to providing an authentic experience for tourists exploring the Maltese islands. We are not just attracting tourists; we are offering a unique, value-added encounter that sets our islands apart on the global stage.

As the restoration unfolds, the public will have the privilege of witnessing each stage of this  journey. Upon completion, the fully restored boat will grace the port of Marsaxlokk, proudly displaying its traditional rigging—a sight to behold for all who visit.

In the context of our rich maritime history, the ultimate vision is to see this vessel not just as a relic but as a living, operational piece of our heritage. It will become an educational beacon, guiding tourists and enthusiasts through immersive port tours that delve into the maritime history of Marsaxlokk and, by extension, the story of Malta itself.

The Growth of the Creative Industries

In a joint effort involving the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government  as well as Malta Enterprise and ARTZ ID, an initiative has been launched to foster the growth of the dynamic visual arts community at the Kordin Business Incubation Centre (KBIC).

This innovative program allocates semi-industrial spaces within KBIC to creative artists, serving as a platform for the development of business-related projects. Additionally, participating artists will benefit from mentorship opportunities aimed at elevating their artistic concepts to a commercial level.

At the heart of this initiative is the ongoing promotion of the expanding and flourishing visual arts community, marking a pivotal moment in its entrepreneurial journey. The collaborative nature of this venture aims to provide local artists and arts professionals with unique opportunities, including access to KBIC spaces, professional guidance from ARTZ ID, and increased exposure.

The multifaceted support offered through this collaboration seeks to enhance skills, foster artistic development, facilitate knowledge sharing, encourage networking, promote collaboration, and ignite creative inspiration among the local artist community. I firmly belief in the potential of the creative economy, emphasizing that this collaboration signifies a strengthened commitment to fostering growth in this dynamic sector.

By bridging the worlds of art and enterprise, this initiative envisions a space where creativity and business acumen converge, creating an ecosystem that nurtures the unique talents and entrepreneurial spirit of local artists.  This collaboration encourages artists to step forward, recognizing the common ground shared between art and enterprise, and facilitating the integration of these realms within the vibrant KBIC space.

I thank Maria Galea from Artz ID, Kurt Farrugia from Malta Enterprise and last but certainly not least Minister Silvio Schembri who is indeed a pleasure to work with.  This horizontal approach to the creative industries is what makes all the difference.