The Maltese Festa could be recognised as an intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO’s world list if it endorses the favourable recommendation from a technical committee next month, Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici said in Parliament on Wednesday.

The minister tabled the recommendation during the plenary debate about his ministry’s Budget estimates on Wednesday evening.

An intangible cultural heritage is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge, or skill considered by UNESCO to be part of a place's cultural heritage.

A final decision by the international body will be taken during a conference in Botswana in December.

“We trust that the recommendation, which praises the work done in preparation for the bid, should be approved without difficulty. It is good news that the Maltese Festa, which is the fulcrum of celebrations in our communities and squares and which provides a strong cultural element, is being considered for this nomination for all its positive values and attributes,” the Minister said.

The minister praised the Band Clubs Association that put forward the nomination and other organisations and entities, including the Directorate for Culture, for the intensive work done to prepare the bid.