The Malta Independent 10 August 2026, Monday
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World Refugee Day: Spark Fest shines light on plight of refugees and integration in Malta

Sunday, 18 June 2023, 09:15 Last update: about 4 years ago

Spark15, a leading NGO dedicated to supporting refugees in Malta, is proud to announce today's Spark Fest at Balzuneta, Bocci club and Hockey Pitch in Floriana between 2 and 11pm.

Spark Fest is an annual event that marks World Refugee Day which was successfully launched last year for the first time by the migrant and refugee organisation Spark15.

For this year, Spark Fest will be the launch event of the week-long festival Refugee Week Malta happening from 18 until 25 June in venues across Malta that is a growing global movement celebrating the creativity, contributions and resilience of refugees and people who seek safety.

Spark Fest is a family day event to celebrate and connect people from all walks of life - young, old and everyone in between. We hope to nurture a space that is comfortable, joyous and creative. We will gather together in the hopes of nourishing new connections.

As the world comes together to commemorate World Refugee Day, communities in Malta will unite in a celebration with children's activities, networking, intercultural cuisine, music and dance, fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Spark Fest strives to promote harmonious coexistence and advocate for the protection of human rights. By offering an intercultural platform, this event contributes to the creation of economic and social alternatives on integration.

The main objective of Spark Fest is to foster collaboration and to seek to build partnerships between the Maltese national community, expats and migrant communities, fostering a spirit of collaboration and unity.

For this year's edition, Spark15 is collaborating with Dance Beyond Borders who have supported the artistic curation of the event. The festival will feature an array of activities and attractions, including:

-          Engaging activities for children: Play areas and creative activities, including juggling and bouncing castle, which will ensure that children are entertained and inspired throughout the event.

-          NGO Presence: Several non-governmental organisations will be present at the festival, interacting with the public and refugees, and providing valuable information on their respective initiatives.

-          Live Music and Dance: A diverse line-up of local and refugee community musicians will grace the stage, showcasing their talents and sharing their unique stories through music.

-          Intercultural Cuisine: A food station will offer tantalising samples of local dishes from different communities, allowing attendees to savour the flavours of diverse cultures.

-          Refreshments: A dedicated bar area will be available, serving a range of beverages to quench attendees' thirst as they immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere.

-          Inspiring Speeches: Renowned personalities and representatives from Spark15 will deliver thought-provoking speeches.

-          Discussion: A talk about homelessness and housing will be given by NGOs and various entities shedding light on this challenge.

Join us at the Spark Fest to stand in solidarity with refugees, celebrate diversity and promote social change. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.


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