Gozo's village feasts, or 'festa', are deeply rooted cultural celebrations that play a crucial role in the island's economy and social fabric. While attracting both residents and international visitors, the feasts provide a blend of religious, cultural, and social experiences that contribute to various aspects of Gozo's economic life. Despite the costs involved in organising these feasts, the economic and cultural benefits make them central to the community's identity.
Village feasts provide a considerable boost to tourism. Many visitors plan their trips to coincide with these events, which leads to high occupancy rates in hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals. Restaurants, cafes, and local food vendors benefit from increased foot traffic, as visitors and locals alike indulge in traditional Gozitan delicacies offered at food stalls. The retail sector, particularly businesses that sell local crafts, religious items, and souvenirs, also sees increased sales during feast periods.
Entertainment and cultural events are essential elements of these feasts, with local bands, performers, and pyrotechnicians in high demand. Fireworks displays and processions enhance the festive atmosphere. The transportation sector, which includes ferry services connecting Malta and Gozo, witnesses a considerable surge, along with a rise in demand for public transport, taxis and car rentals.
Despite the economic benefits, organising these village feasts involves substantial costs. Local parishes, feast committees, and volunteers often fundraise throughout the year to cover expenses. Some of the largest costs are associated with fireworks, which can amount to tens of thousands of euros in larger villages. Bands, both local and imported, are another significant expense, as are decorations, which include street lights, banners, and church embellishments. These decorative elements often require substantial financial investment, with churches commissioning statues, flags, and other feast-specific items.
Two decades ago, outdoor activities, including fireworks, accounted for 38% of total parish feast expenses, followed by street decorations at 20%, and band and choir expenses at 10.5%. It is interesting to note that the organisers allocate 3.5% of total expenses to charity, although this figure has slightly decreased over the years. While the costs of organising these feasts are high, their economic and cultural impact continues to justify the investment.
An integral part of Gozo's feast calendar is the Santa Marija agricultural show, known in Maltese as 'Il-Wirja ta' Santa Marija'. This exhibition, which takes place at Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria between 13 and 15 August, showcases the best of Gozitan agriculture and artisanal crafts. The event dates back to 1855, when it was first held on the grounds of the Primary School of Rabat, Gozo, and is one of the island's longest-standing traditions.
At the exhibition, you can see a variety of local produce, ranging from fruit, vegetables, grains, and livestock to artisanal products like wine, oil, honey, and lace. Judges award trophies and prizes to the best exhibits. The event features local folk singers and guitarists, adding a layer of entertainment to the celebration of Gozo's agricultural heritage.
In 2023, UNESCO recognised Maltese village feasts as part of Malta's intangible heritage, further elevating their cultural importance. This recognition could also play a crucial role in preserving local crafts and artisanal practices linked to the feasts, such as lace-making and religious art. These traditions are essential to Gozo's cultural identity, and their preservation ensures that they continue to contribute to the local economy. UNESCO recognition may promote more sustainable tourism practices, which would help balance the economic benefits of increased tourism with the need to protect Gozo's cultural and natural resources.
Recognising the importance of these cultural events, the Maltese government has increased its financial support for village feasts. In 2024, the Malta Arts Council allocated €700,000 for funding feast-related activities in Malta and Gozo, representing a 45% increase over previous years. This funding is available to band clubs, firework factories, and feast organising associations to cover eligible costs. Band clubs can receive up to €8,000 per project, while firework factories and organising associations can request up to €5,000.
The funds intend to support projects that include music training, restoration of band equipment, technological installations, and collaborations with other band clubs. For feast organisers, the funding can cover decorations, statues, and educational initiatives. Firework factories can use the funds for safety equipment, infrastructure work, and collaborations with local and European counterparts.
Beyond their economic and cultural contributions, Gozo's village feasts play an essential role in fostering a sense of community. These celebrations bring people together, creating bonds and a shared sense of identity. For older parishes with long-standing traditions, these events serve as an annual focal point, reinforcing a collective identity and sense of belonging.
From a religious perspective, village feasts offer a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Although the secular aspects of the celebrations, such as fireworks and band performances, are prominent, the religious core of the feasts remains strong. Religious services and processions draw sizeable crowds, including many young people, highlighting the enduring significance of faith in Gozitan life.
One of the unique aspects of Gozo's village feasts is the inclusion of traditional horse racing, known as 'tiġrijiet taż-żwiemel'. These races, which take place on village streets temporarily closed off for the event, are an exciting and competitive element of the feasts. Horse racing has deep historical roots in Gozo, likely dating back to the time of the Knights of St John. The races are informal, yet fiercely competitive, with local jockeys and horse owners vying for recognition and victory.
The races typically take place in the afternoon or early evening and serve as one highlight of the feast celebrations. Spectators line the streets, cheering on the competitors, while the organisers award prizes to the winners. The races reflect Gozo's connection to its agricultural past, where horses played a vital role in daily life.
Despite their positive economic and social impact, organising village feasts presents several challenges. Village feasts often result in the concentration of economic benefits during the summer months, leaving a gap in income during the rest of the year. As the cost-of-living rises, some residents question the expenses associated with the feasts, particularly the money spent on fireworks and decorations. Many argue that we could better spend the funds on social causes, such as helping families in need.
There are concerns about the environmental impact of fireworks and the noise pollution they create, which can be harmful to children, older adults, and animals. Some propose the reduction of the scale of the fireworks and band marches to create a more peaceful atmosphere while still honouring the local saint.
The sensory experience of Gozo's village feasts is one of their most appealing aspects. The village feasts treat visitors to a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes. Colourful fireworks light up the night sky, while bomb-like fireworks set off in the morning. A rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes awaits visitors, with brass bands marching through the streets and filling the air with music. The village decorates itself in scarlet damask and glittering statues. Confetti flies from windows and balconies, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The stalls, which generations have passed down, sell traditional Gozitan delicacies such as 'qubbajt' (nougat) and 'ġbejniet' (goat cheese), making food a major part of the feasts. These feasts offer a multisensory experience that brings Gozitan traditions to life, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the island's culture.
Gozo's village feasts are much more than just annual celebrations-they are the lifeblood of the island's cultural, economic, and social life. These events stimulate various sectors of the local economy, attract tourists, and provide opportunities for local businesses. However, the costs of organising these feasts are high, requiring year-round fundraising efforts. Despite these challenges, the overall impact of the feasts is positive, making them a cornerstone of Gozo's cultural identity.
These feasts, with UNESCO recognition and government support, will continue to thrive, preserving Gozo's unique traditions for future generations. As the island balances the economic benefits of the feasts with the need to address social and environmental concerns, Gozo's village feasts will remain an essential part of its cultural heritage.