Significant restoration and underground consolidation works are currently in progress at the historic Church of the Annunciation, located in the picturesque area known as tal-Għolja in Siġġiewi. This initiative is more than just a preservation project; it is a revival of a heritage site that has borne witness to centuries of Maltese history.

Perched on a rocky promontory, the Church of the Annunciation has a long and storied past marked by instability. Over the years, the precarious nature of its foundation has led to several cycles of construction, collapse, and reconstruction. Historical records suggest that the first church was erected on this site in the latter half of the 15th century. It was later rebuilt between 1680 and 1681, only to suffer severe damage from the earthquakes of 1693, 1856, and 1923. These events necessitated multiple phases of reconstruction, but time and nature took their toll. The church eventually fell into a state of disrepair and abandonment, with significant structural issues including wide cracks stretching from floor to roof, tilting facades, and a partially collapsed vaulted ceiling.

The current restoration project, however, is a beacon of hope. It aims not only to restore the church's architecture but also to fortify its foundation against the unstable ground that has plagued it for centuries. Our efforts extend to reinforcing the underground cave in the vicinity, ensuring that both the church and the surrounding area are secure for future generations.

So far, the project has involved meticulous documentation of the church's structure and geological activity, stabilization of the cave with a newly cast concrete slab over its roof, and the installation of temporary reinforced concrete beams to support the heavy machinery required for drilling underground piles.

The works completed to date have unearthed previously unknown elements about the church's construction and the underlying terrain. These findings have necessitated adjustments to our original plans, demonstrating the dynamic and evolving nature of this project. We anticipate that our efforts will continue through June 2025, as we work diligently to ensure the church is not only preserved, but also celebrated as a symbol of our cultural heritage.

This ambitious project is being executed thanks to a collaborative agreement between the Restoration and Preservation Department, within the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, and the Archdiocese of Malta. We are grateful for the expertise of Dr. Adrian Mifsud, who serves as the geotechnical consultant responsible for the design and supervision of the underground consolidation work. The government, through the Restoration and Preservation Department, is overseeing the entire project, ensuring that all restoration efforts are meticulously carried out, and funding the essential on-site restoration and consolidation work.

Through this project, we are not only preserving a significant part of our national heritage, but also reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding Malta's cultural and historical treasures.

Restoration Work on the Chapel of Our Lady of Light in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Malta

I am pleased also to see the ongoing restoration of the historic Chapel of Our Lady of Light in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, one of thirteen projects selected under the 2022 Local Councils Restoration Scheme. This project, proposed by the Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council, is a testament to our commitment to preserving Malta's rich cultural and historical heritage. The restoration work commenced in September 2023, and we have made significant progress since then.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Light is a cherished landmark in Ħaż-Żebbuġ and one of the oldest chapels in the locality. Before the current structure was built, another chapel stood on this site. The chapel has witnessed many historical events, including a near-miss during the Second World War in 1941, when a bomb fell nearby but, fortunately, did not explode. However, when the bomb was later detonated by the authorities, the chapel's bell tower sustained considerable damage. Quick repairs were undertaken at the time, allowing the chapel to continue serving the community. 

Today, we are dedicated to ensuring the chapel's longevity through a comprehensive restoration project. The Department of Restoration and Preservation is overseeing the entire process, from the initial documentation to applying for necessary permits from the Planning Authority and ultimately to the restoration work itself.

The ongoing restoration involves several meticulous tasks to ensure the chapel is preserved for future generations.

This project is a vital part of our efforts to preserve Malta's historical landmarks, ensuring they remain a source of pride and cultural identity for our communities. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those involved in this significant restoration.

Summer Carnival

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the Summer Carnival a success!

The Summer Carnival made its vibrant return to St. Paul's Bay and Marsascala, delighting thousands of attendees with its festive spirit. This cherished event, organized by Festivals Malta in partnership with the Local Councils of St. Paul's Bay and Marsascala, took place from August 23rd to 25th and was a resounding success.

The Summer Carnival is much more than just a series of entertaining events; it serves as a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists to experience traditional carnival elements on a much more smaller scale. From the colourful floats to the energetic dance performances, the carnival showcased the rich cultural heritage and lively traditions of carnival celebrations.

This year's festivities included a dynamic parade featuring a total of 13 impressive floats each day, which added to the carnival's enchanting atmosphere. We were honoured to have Mario Cassar and Ina Robinich as the hosts for this edition, whose engaging presentations contributed greatly to the event's overall enjoyment.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Festivals Malta, St. Paul's Bay and Marsascala Local Councils and to all the participants, organizers, and volunteers whose hard work and dedication brought this carnival to life. Your contributions have made this event a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm in celebrating our community and culture. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!