Celebrating The Maltese Festa: A UNESCO-Recognised Cultural Jewel
The vibrant Maltese festa, a cornerstone of Malta’s rich cultural tapestry, has proudly been inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
This prestigious recognition was announced during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana. The festa stands out for its embodiment of community values, its vibrant celebration of the arts, and its spirit of inclusivity.
In collaboration with the Malta Band Club Association, Lovin Malta produced a documentary series of the beloved festa over the summer. Check out what goes on behind the scenes in the videos below.
Owen Bonnici, extended heartfelt thanks to the Malta Band Clubs Association for its pivotal role in securing this distinguished honour.
He also commended the unwavering commitment of the Culture Directorate, particularly the Office for Intangible Cultural Heritage, Professor Baldacchino, the Archdiocese of Malta, and everyone who played a part in this monumental achievement.
“Joining the illustrious ranks of the Ftira and Għana, this is Malta’s third element to be honoured by UNESCO. The Government remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing and elevating the Maltese Festa, celebrating it as a symbol of community solidarity, artistic expression, and inclusive values ” Bonnici said.
The journey to UNESCO recognition began with a proposal from the Malta Band Clubs Association, bolstered by strong support from the Maltese Curia and local festa enthusiasts.
This application, submitted in 2021, was meticulously managed by the Office for Intangible Cultural Heritage within the Culture Directorate, under the expert guidance of Professor Jean Paul Baldacchino, a renowned anthropologist at the University of Malta.
In a decisive moment in November, the UNESCO Technical Committee, tasked with evaluating nominations for intangible heritage status, recommended the Maltese Festa for inscription on the prestigious List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The committee lauded the application’s exceptional presentation and the accompanying audio-visual materials, hailing them as exemplary in the realm of cultural heritage applications.
This UNESCO recognition not only honours the festival itself but also celebrates the enduring spirit of Malta’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Congratulations to all involved!