A Cultural Program For The Renowned Feast Of San Girgor Has Been Announced
It is believed the beloved San Girgor feast was first celebrated in 1543. After a three-year hiatus it will be back again this year with a supporting cultural programme.
The programme, which was announced at a press conference in Żejtun, will focus on the traditional dimension of the festival and will be under the remit of the Culture Directorate.
Besides the religious aspects, this feast traditionally marks the first swim that occurs on the first Wednesday after Easter.
The Minister for the National Heritage Owen Bonnici stated the government is duty-bound to see that traditional feasts like San Girgor continue to thrive and pass down from generation to generation.
The Culture Directorate worked hand in hand with the Local Councils of Żejtun and Marsaxlokk to formulate this programme of activities, which will highlight the intangible cultural heritage aspect of our country.
“In this way we will be preserving this traditional Maltese aspect while raising awareness about the intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional Maltese crafts and the Għana, which have been recognized in UNESCO’s representative list,” Bonnici said.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasised the important role of cultural activities in society, and explained how cultural activities like San Girgor help preserve our cultural heritage, boost the local economy and foster social cohesion.
Additionally, Zerafa Civelli stated that the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government will continue to be committed in helping the Local Councils through cultural schemes thus safeguarding our cultural heritage.
As part of an internal restructuring process, the Culture Directorate also underwent rebranding. The new logo of the Directorate was launched during the press conference and was inspired by the traditional Maltese tile.
“The design of the new logo of the Directorate is based on the traditional aspect – the Maltese tile – but it is given a contemporary touch. This is the same way culture – despite its roots in the past – is experienced in the present context,” said director of the Directorate Aleks Farrugia.
He explained that the colours that make up the branding scheme are taken from the colours of the sunrise over the Grand Harbour, where the sunrise symbolises a new day and a hopeful future, as well as the port that opens up to the sea, a symbol of connectivity with the rest of the world.
The Culture Directorate is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the National Culture Policy. This Directorate promotes education and research in the cultural field, fosters cultural exchange, and organises cultural events and activities in Malta.
Will you go for a swim for San Girgor?