The final preparations are currently taking place for the Birgufest event, which will take place on Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th of October.

The program for this year's edition of Birgufest, organised by the Birgu Local Council, includes various cultural and artistic activities, with the participation of local as well as foreign groups.

A statement by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government said that the primary goal of the event is to attract people from all over Malta, as well as tourists, to enjoy the culture and history offered by the historic and maritime city of Birgu.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that besides their cultural significance in preserving Maltese culture, cultural activities also have a positive economic impact on businesses and volunteer associations of the locality.

The "Birgu by Candlelight" event, which has become known among Maltese people as well as tourists, will take place on Saturday, 14 October.

For this event, the streets of Birgu will be lit solely by candles, replacing electric lights with thousands of candles to create a beautiful atmosphere.

The statement read that more than 20,000 candles will be used, thanks to the commitment and dedication of the residents and businesses in Birgu.

These candles will be spread throughout the streets and squares of the entire locality, creating an atmosphere by lighting up the entire area.

Birgu Mayor John Boxall said that the Birgufest event has continued to evolve with each edition.

"This year, there will be various activities that will appeal to everyone, including discussions in the Maltese language and the dialect of the Cottonera, folklore musical groups, traditional Maltese food, flower displays, exhibitions on local history, and a Maltese artisan market, among others," Boxall said.

For more information about the event, please visit the Facebook page of the Birgu Local Council.