The Port Region will be Malta's Region of Culture for 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, announced.

The Port Region is made up of the following localities: The Three Cities, Kalkara, Xgħajra, Żabbar, Fgura, Paola, Tarxien, Floriana, and Valletta.

Zerafa Civelli made this announcement beside the President of the Port Region Council, Paul Farrugia, the President of the Local Councils' Association, Mario Fava, and the Director General of the Local Government Division, Emile Vassallo.

It was explained that the aim of having a Region of Culture is to promote the roots of Malta's traditions and culture. This initiative was launched in 2022, meaning that this cycle has reached its fourth year. This year's Region of Culture is the Region of Gozo.

Zerafa Civelli said that the Port Region has one of the most beautiful ports in the world, archaeological remains that go back before Christ, ramparts and fortifications that have survived centuries and many wars, as well as culturally rich churches, museums, auberges and palaces that go back hundreds of years.

She observed that the Port Region is made up of 11 localities, some of which are small compared to others, though despite that, all localities within this region are all rich in their own different ways.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that unlike just a few years ago, "tourist activity in the localities of this region has increased significantly," partially thanks to commitment of the respective local councils. She added that this presents them with an opportunity to beautify their localities to ensure that their identities are not lost.

The junior minister said that with this announcement, the number of activities hosted by these respective local councils over the coming year shall be increasing. Zerafa Civelli concluded by thanking the Gozo Region, which has managed to display the island's religious activities, folklore, and Gozitan gastronomy in its successful programme.

The Director General of the Local Government Division, Emile Vassallo, said that being named as the Region of Culture for 2026 is an opportunity for the localities within the Port Region to honour the roots and traditions that have shaped them, while involving their own communities to participate in this celebration.

Port Region Council President Paul Farrugia announced that the motto for the next year's Region of Culture is, "Where history and waves guide us." He said that this presents an opportunity for all Port councils to become more resilient while raising the value of their localities amongst Maltese and tourists alike.