Recognised as the earliest known literary text in Maltese, the Kantilena holds a central place in the island's linguistic and cultural history. On 18 April 2025, it gained international recognition when it was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, highlighting its significance as part of humanity's documentary heritage and underscoring the importance of its preservation and continued study.

To mark the anniversary of this national milestone, the Notarial Archives Foundation (NAF), in collaboration with the Department of Maltese at the University of Malta, organised a public lecture at the Notarial Registers Archive, which forms part of the National Archives of Malta. Titled Ejja nagħmlu festa bil-Kantilena (Let's celebrate the Kantilena), the lecture was delivered by Dr Olvin Vella, senior lecturer at the Department of Maltese. The lecture examined the linguistic, literary, and historical dimensions of the Kantilena, tracing changes in meaning, sound, and expression in the Maltese language, alongside insights into its medieval context. It also underscored that, despite its long-standing prominence among academics and researchers since its discovery in 1966, the Kantilena continues to offer significant scope for further study and discussion.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Joan Abela, president of the NAF, said: "As proud custodians of the Kantilena, our role is not only to preserve it, but also to support ongoing research and bring it into wider academic and public discussion. Events such as this are key to ensuring that this heritage continues to be studied and shared, and collaboration with the Department of Maltese at the University of Malta is essential in addressing the text's linguistic significance."

Prof. Adrian Grima, head of the Department of Maltese, noted that Dr Vella's interpretation of the Kantilena stems from an exhaustive analysis of the poem's linguistic nuances and its historical context. "His work is built on a rigorous re-evaluation of decades of scholarship across multiple disciplines, not least those at the Notarial Archives. This constant dialogue with other fields is a hallmark of our department, and Dr Vella's brilliant analysis is a testament to the power of such an insightful and comprehensive approach."

The Notarial Archives Foundation remains committed to promoting the preservation, study, and public engagement of Malta's documentary heritage through ongoing initiatives and collaborations.

Those interested in receiving updates on upcoming events may contact the Foundation at [email protected] or visit its website nafmalta.org