Malta and Gozo’s Roman Catholic roots played an integral part in the development and history of the islands.
As a result, there are 359 churches and chapels on the two islands, which devolve into 78 parishes (churches that serve as the local church for the community). Some localities, like Birkirkara and Sliema, have more than one parish church, giving Malta a density of slightly more than one church per square kilometre.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu in Gozo (photo from Pixabay
Despite the omnipresence of churches, worldwide commitment and adherence to religion have waned sharply, including here in Malta and Gozo. Nevertheless, parish festas have retained enormous community appeal and popularity, and are a key part of Malta’s cultural heritage. So much so that last November, Malta’s festas were recognized by UNESCO as part of Malta’s intangible cultural heritage, joining the Għana (Maltese folk song) and the ftira ( a ring-shaped leavened bread filled with Mediterranean ingredients) that were listed in 2021 and 2020 respectively.
This honourable achievement will be celebrated on Saturday, 19 October at Tritons Square in Valletta. A solemn High Holy Mass in St John’s Co-Cathedral begins at 17h30. A cultural celebration, called ‘FUQ IL-FESTA’ (Topping the Festa), will begin at 19h.
There will also be several interactive workshops for children and families focused on traditional crafts and textiles, poetry readings, live music, installations that showcase the heart and soul of Maltese festas, as well as a demonstration on how to make nougat, known as qubbajd in Maltese, a typical festa food.
A synchronised fireworks show with the playing of the Maltese national anthem will round off the day, which will become an annual celebration on Malta’s calendar.
Band clubs are an integral part of a Malta festa. (Photo by Agustinagava – CC BY-SA 4.0)
Anatomy of the Festa
Festas are community-wide events of religious leaning that take place annually in parishes around Malta and Gozo, usually between April and October, and a popular among locals. In fact there is a concentrated rivalry between parish band clubs and their manners of celebration. These rivalries are not religious, however, but based on community pride with a “what they can do, we can do better” thread running between them, alongside much pomp and circumstance.
So what does a local festa consist of?
- Concerts
- Band marches
- Firework displays
- Bell ringing
- Street stalls
- Traditional food
- Camaraderie
- A procession on the final day
The majority of them – except those falling on a religious public holiday like Conception – are held over a three-day weekend.
The start is usually a week before the festa celebration, when the parish-dedicated statue is taken out of its niche and placed on public display in the church, surrounded by flowers and wreaths. Village streets are decorated with colourful bulbs, lanterns, banners and holy statues.
The opening on Friday evening will be a boisterous and local brass band march. Each parish more or less has its band, and in some cases, two rival bands. You can count on fireworks displays too, but these are often seen on Saturday evenings.
The festa‘s religious climax comes on Sunday with a Holy Mass and the blessing of the statue.
Full details can be found on the link Fuq il-Festa
The 19 October celebration in Valletta will culminate with fireworks, something Matla festas are known for
UNESCO Listing
Every year a UNESCO committee meets to evaluate nominations made by various countries and decides whether or not to inscribe cultural practices and expressions of intangible heritage on the list. In 2023, the festa was accepted during a meeting in Botswana. The listing means the festa‘s traditional elements will be better protected.
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BeSeeingYou In: Malta
Good To Know: Festas are a unique part of Malta and Gozo heritage and culture
WOW! Factor: UNESCO recognition
Tip: Try nougat, known as qubbajd in Maltese, a typical festa food.
Author Bio: Albert Fenech
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