The Valletta Green Festival 2026,  opened on the last day of April. It was truly stunning and transformed the Capital with spectacular floral installations at the entrance to Valletta, in Freedom Square in front of Parliament, as well as a magical garden in St George's Square. Known for its striking displays and strong environmental message, the festival placed a clear focus on sustainability, urban greening and community engagement.

Then Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici had said, "The Valletta Green Festival not only offers a vibrant display of colour and creativity in the heart of Valletta, but also serves as a reminder of our responsibility towards the environment and our urban spaces. It stands as a clear testament to how, through collaboration and commitment, we can transform our cities into greener, more sustainable places that offer a better quality of life for all."

Jason Micallef, Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency said: "This year's edition of the Valletta Green Festival is our most ambitious yet. Beyond the vibrant garden in St George's Square, celebrating sustainability, creativity, and a strong sense of community, the experience began right at Valletta's entrance. Together, these elements reflect our ongoing commitment to reimagining urban spaces and offering a memorable experience to all visitors until the 10th May." The artistic installation of thousands of large, colourful flowers guided visitors from the bridge at the entrance to the Capital to an impressive centrepiece in Freedom Square, where a monumental vase stands in front of Parliament. Set upon a traditional Maltese artistic design, the installation features a striking bouquet of vibrant blooms. This work was created by Henry Galea, Jason Zerafa and Ryan Pillow.

An extraordinary collection of trees, shrubs and plants had transformed St George's Square into a green oasis, as part of the Valletta Green Festival's magical garden. Towering species reaching up to three metres stood alongside an exceptional variety of rare and remarkable plants, including specimens that are hundreds of years old. The installation brought  together thousands of flowering plants and Mediterranean species, from colourful petunias to fragrant lavender and sage, as well as a rich variety of shrubs, all interwoven with tranquil water features that enhanced the visitor experience.

This unique garden, executed by Derek Garden Centre, was carefully curated to create an immersive and evocative landscape, celebrating biodiversity while reimagining the historic square as a vibrant, living sanctuary in the heart of the city.Visitors were able to experience a beautiful interactive garden, numerous educational initiatives, a diverse programme designed to encourage eco-conscious living and a daily Eco Market along Old Theatre Street, featured sustainable, locally made products. Free face painting and children's workshops including pebble art and upcycled crafts took place. This year's programme included the participation by Derek Garden Centre, ERA, Project Green, Ambjent Malta, Circular Economy Malta and Wasteserv. This was an excellent initiative which is hoped will be repeated next year.