The Valletta Green Festival, the annual event which is synonymous with spring in Valletta, is taking place from Thursday 28th April till Sunday 1st May.

The theme for this year’s edition is the importance of public spaces, the protection of natural habitats and the effect this has on the flora and fauna of our islands. The festival’s main attraction, the infiorata, will be taking place in Pjazza San Ġorġ and will include around 50,000 plants and herbs, featuring the design of a frog in a 500 square metre area, to highlight habitat destruction of the Painted Frog, the only amphibian we have in Malta.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated that year after year the Valletta Green Festival is increasing in popularity. “This festival illustrates the Government’s vision to keep its promise to introduce more urban greening,” he stated whilst emphasising that the chosen theme for this year underlines the importance of public spaces and habitat protection. He reiterated that this festival will bring together culture and the environment, two sources of inspiration without which we will lose an important part of our identity.

Through its entities, the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise will be participating to raise awareness on open spaces, the importance of recycling, the protection of natural habitats, biodiversity, and the conservation of natural resources.

“We want to offer the public an informative space about the work that different entities are doing in favour of sustainability, a better and safer environment, and accessible spaces,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

The participating entities are the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Ambjent Malta, Wasteserv and Parks Malta.

“The Valletta Green Festival, which is now in its ninth edition, is a main tool for the Valletta Cultural Agency to raise environmental awareness around the island, not just in Valletta,” said Chairman Jason Micallef.

The festival also features the Ruff Mudder canine obstacle adventure, which will be introduced at Laparelli Gardens on the 30th of April from 10am till 6pm. Further to last year’s initiative, the Valletta Cultural Agency will continue its urban greening contribution and will be leaving behind a 15% legacy, whereby it will be introducing several plants and trees in Bull Street and Charles Street, Valletta.

Several stalls will also be set up at Pjazza San Ġorġ disseminating information on green initiatives and the environment.