The Valletta Cultural Agency unveiled its Cultural Programme for the year 2026.

The programme of cultural activities in the capital city is to cost a total sum of €4.5 million.

This launch was accompanied by the publication of two surveys by statistician Prof. Vincent Marmara on footfall and business in Valletta during the last Christmas period, in December 2025.

The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, stated that this €4.5 million investment reaffirms the government's commitment to having a "vibrant and dynamic Valletta."

Minister Bonnici commented that Valletta and Malta will reap a lot more than €4.5 million through this cultural programme.

This year's Cultural Programme for Valletta opens with the second edition of the Malta Biennale. Malta Biennale 26 will take place between 11 March and 29 May.

During Holy Week, from the end of March till the opening days of April, Valletta will organise activities over the three days of reflection preceding Easter Sunday in St. George's Square. The Valletta square will feature a "striking traditional installation featuring hundreds of fire bowls" to create a contemplative atmosphere within the heart of the capital city. The chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA), Jason Micallef, said that the scheduled Holy Week activities will be "very special."

The twelfth edition of the Valletta Green Festival will be organised from 30 April to 10 May, also in St. George's Square and some other areas around Valletta. The spaces will be marked by artistic floral installations.

Among this year's new productions is L-Aqwa 20 tal-Maltin, which will be a tribute concert to some of the greatest Maltese songs in the country's musical history. On this, Micallef said that the VCA had asked Maltese people for their favourite Maltese songs, and from all the submissions received, the 20 most popular songs will feature in this concert. Micallef believes that "after Mużika Mużika, no doubt it will be the second largest Maltese concert in the country."

Opera in the Capital is making its return to the capital city on 27 June, closely followed by the Valletta Local Food Festival taking place in St. George's Square between 3-5 July. Later that month, on 24 July, the Grand Harbour spectacle known as the Valletta Pageant of the Seas will take place; this event is organised once every two years, Micallef said.

Following the summer months, Valletta will prepare for its annual Christmas festivities. This year, Christmas in the Capital will return from 25 November till the end of the calendar year to bring festive cheer to the city. This will culminate with the National New Year's Eve celebrations.

In addition, from 4 December till 10 January 2027, the VCA will present an artistic highlight of an exhibition showcasing around 30 mixed-media works by Paul Camilleri, entitled "Between Two Points."

This year, the Valletta Design Cluster marks its fifth anniversary, in which it will continue to host workshops, courses, community activities, and much more.

In this launch, VCA chairman Micallef stated that authorities must find a balance to retain the cultural aspect of Valletta - which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right - while balancing the needs of residents. Micallef said that on behalf of the VCA, he is in constant communication with Valletta's mayor, Olaf McKay.

Micallef thanked the government's support, noting that the millions of euros being invested are "exceptional."

Closing off this launch, Minister Bonnici commented that the government will be working on improving Valletta's attractiveness locally and internationally.

He also thanked everyone involved in cultural programmes, such as artists, voluntary organisations, cleaners, logistical officers, security, and more.

Bonnici said that we should all strive to appreciate culture. He remarked that "to appreciate what a difference culture makes, just remember when five years ago, authorities would advise us to stay home."

For more information about the Valletta Cultural Agency and its Cultural Programme, visit vca.gov.mt/mt/events and the Agency's Facebook page.