The Tourism Ministry has clapped back at mounting criticism over its organisation of the ‘Christmas in the City’ activity in Valletta, saying that it does not include any major events and that the outdoor activities which will be held will be in full conformity with all Covid-19 regulations. 

The Ministry said that it wished to clarify that major events which would take place in Christmas time, such as the ‘Winter Wonderland’, had been cancelled owing tot he fact that mass events cannot be organised because of Covid-19. 

“Hence, contrary to the impression given by some, it is not true that in Valletta, or in any other locality, any parties or entertainment shows will be organised”, the Ministry said. 

The Ministry said that, as explained in the launch press conference on Monday, the Valletta Cultural Agency will be decorating only the main roads, will be lighting a Christmas Tree, setting up a crib, and showing a light projection on the facade of the President’s Palace. 

“The VCA intends to, through music, small choirs, and performing arts, bring a positive Christmas spirit to all those families who choose to go to Valletta to buy presents or eat at a restaurant during that period”, the statement read. 

The Ministry said that on direction of the health authorities, these small initiatives held in the open will be in absolute conformity with all directives and protocols which are in place.  

Every person who enters Valletta must also respect the existing laws, including the obligatory use of masks and social distancing, the Ministry said. 

The Tourism Ministry and the Arts Ministry reiterated that people’s health remains a priority, which is why the decisions which were announced create the Christmas atmosphere in accordence with the different reality that the country is living in and with the necessary precautions which everyone has to follow.

‘Christmas in the City’ was launched by the government on Monday morning and attempts to attract people to Valletta over the Christmas period.

During the launch of the event, Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that “Covid-19 will not kill Christmas”, and Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that her ministry in tandem with the MTA were always looking for ways to support the capital city and businesses within it.

The event launch however comes amidst appeals by health authorities not to congregate during Christmas in order to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

Social media was awash with discontent over the organisation of the event, and the heads of the two major medical association – the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses and the Medical Association of Malta – both blasted the idea, with Paul Pace from the former saying that it is an “absolutely crazy” idea and Martin Balzan from the latter warning that this is a similar scenario to when mass events were allowed to take place last July. 

Questioned by The Malta Independent yesterday, Health Minister Chris Fearne admitted that he had yet to see the details of the event and hence could not comment on it.