A total of 120 feast associations will benefit from a combined investment of more than €1.1 million during 2025, following the allocation of additional funding under the Artistic Heritage Scheme administered by Arts Council Malta.
An additional 37 voluntary organisations that contribute to Malta's traditional village feasts will receive €344,000 in funding. This brings them together with 83 other festa associations that had already benefited from an earlier investment of €800,000 earlier this year.
The funding is being distributed through the Artistic Heritage Scheme, which opens in two application rounds each year, allowing festa organisations to apply at the time that best suits their operational needs.
Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici announced that the total investment under this scheme for 2025 will exceed €1.1 million.
The Artistic Heritage Scheme provides support to voluntary organisations such as band clubs, musical societies and fireworks factories that are active in one of three key areas related to village feasts: instrumental music; health and safety within fireworks factories; and the creation or restoration of semi-permanent festa decorations.
The scheme is designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of these activities, which form an essential part of Malta's cultural heritage and are recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Minister Bonnici explained that Maltese village feasts rely on a wide network of voluntary organisations that work throughout the year on every aspect of the celebrations, from decorations and musical programmes to fireworks displays. He noted that these efforts bring colour and community spirit to town squares and streets across the country.
"Many of these groups work year-round to plan activities linked to their locality's festa, safeguarding practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. The funding provided through this call-spread over two application periods-reflects the different needs of these sectors and supports them in continuing their contribution to Malta's cultural heritage. In this way, we are tangibly aligning with the principles set out in Vision Malta 2050, the country's unified strategy for the future," said Dr Bonnici.
Rita Falzon, Director of Funding at Arts Council Malta, said that the Artistic Heritage Scheme reaffirms the commitment to maintaining and strengthening Malta's artistic and cultural heritage, built on the dedication and work of hundreds of volunteers. She explained that the scheme provides concrete support to cultural organisations, enabling them to preserve and develop their artistic practices in a sustainable manner.
The funding will address a wide range of needs across instrumental music, semi-permanent decorations and fireworks production. Projects include musical education initiatives, modernisation of band club facilities, and investments aimed at improving safety and resilience within these organisations. Other projects focus on enhanced training, technology upgrades, improved working environments, restoration works, and initiatives that promote collaboration, professional development and a more sustainable approach to Malta's festa traditions.