The Eastern Regional Council is the Cultural Region 2024, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said.

The Eastern Regional Council consists of 12 localities, those being Għargħur, Birkirkara, Gzira, Iklin, Ħal-Lija, Msida, Pietà, San Giljan, Pembroke, Swieqi, Sliema and Ta’ Xbiex. Zerafa Civelli said that these localities will be staging a cultural program which celebrates and promotes their unique cultural heritage.

The Local Government Division will be providing funding of €250,000 for the implementation of this cultural program whilst the Eastern Region will also be contributing €25,000 for the same purpose.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that the title of Cultural Region will make an additional contribution to the promotion of the twelve localities’ local culture, artists, and traditions. She said that cultural initiatives and activities shape a sense of community within people and further strengthen identity.

President of the Eastern Regional Council Anthony Chircop said that the main objective of the cultural program is to promote diverse cultural aspects which celebrate ancient and contemporary traditions “and that creates space for other cultures as well”. Chirchop added that the Eastern Region will be publishing a policy document which will recommend various environmental measures concerning activities organised by the regional council and the local councils.

Zerafa Civelli concluded her speech by encouraging the public to attend and participate in the activities which have been planned and prepared as part of this cultural program.

Present for the news conference alongside the Parliamentary Secretary and the President of the Eastern Regional Council were the Director General and the Directors of the Local Government Division, the Mayors, the Local Councilors, and the Executive Secretaries of the Local Councils of the Eastern Region.