Ban Valletta Restaurants From Showing Disrespect During Holy Week, Hundreds Of Petitioners Urge
Over 200 people have signed a petition urging the authorities to take serious action to safeguard Valletta’s religious traditions after some restaurants showed “a lack of sensitivity and reverence” during last weekend’s Good Friday procession.
“Over the past few days, many people have expressed their dismay on social media about the disrespectful conduct exhibited by certain pubs, eateries, and entertainment venues in Valletta during the Holy Week events,” community page Belt Valletta wrote in its petition.
“Many have expressed how these establishments have displayed a disregard for the significance and solemnity of the religious rituals by continuing with their regular business activities, including playing entertainment music and setting up tables and chairs along the streets, showing a lack of sensitivity and reverence towards the occasion and the surrounding community.”
“Some have disrupted functions within places of worship, further compounding the community’s concerns.”
The petition notes these kinds of traditions hold immense significance to Valletta’s culture and tradition, are a source of pride for locals, and are often featured in campaigns promoting Malta as a tourist destination.
“Therefore, it is only natural that behaviour which disregards and disrespects these traditions not only undermines the dedicated efforts of volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve and promote local customs, but also mocks the faith and beliefs of the local community and discourages their participation in these meaningful religious practices,” it said.
“Allowing such behaviour to continue could have catastrophic consequences in various ways.”
The petitioners said eateries, entertainment spaces, and pubs should be banned from obstructing or showing disrespect towards religious processions during Valletta’s Holy Week rituals and from creating disruptive noise near places of worship.
“We call upon the Malta Government to collaborate closely with local authorities, community organisations, and religious leaders to raise awareness among the business community about the significance of preserving and promoting Valletta’s rich culture and tradition,” it read.
“The active involvement of the police is crucial in ensuring the compliance of regulations and guidelines during the Holy Week celebrations, and they should proactively monitor and intervene as needed.”
They went on to propose that these restrictions be extended to other parish festi and religious initiatives in Valletta.
“It is imperative that we take immediate action to safeguard and protect these cherished traditions. We strongly urge the Malta Government to take decisive action without delay.”
Cover photo: Chris Bonello, Belt Valletta
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