‘Ħamallata’: Jason Micallef Slams Valletta Festa ROCS As Robert Abela Poses With Salt Bae At The Event
Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef slammed an 11-day event being put up by a local tourist agency, calling it a ħamallata and “cheap” and questioning if and why permits were granted in the first place.
“An abomination in Triton Square,” Micallef wrote to social media.
“I am shocked as to how a leading agency in Malta was given the necessary permits, if that is the case, to put up such a cheap festival and quite literally embarrass a historical landmark at the entrance to our country’s capital, “ he continued.
“This organised obstruction and ħamallata have, quite literally, covered the surface of Triton Square and restricted the public from accessing the country’s capital”.
Micallef went on to say, “I will be speaking with authorities and the Government so that such atrocities won’t be repeated again in Valletta”.
He then stated that he can not fathom how no media house or NGO covered “such a story”.
The event commenced on 19th June and spans over a period of 11 days. During the inauguration of the event, the group was visited by Prime Minister Robert Abela and “VIP guest” chef Nusret Gökçe, better known as Salt Bae.
Abela, his wife, and the Turkish chef posed for a photo with ROCS director Rachel Vella just three hours before the event commenced.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, Micallef repeated his condemnation, calling the event an “abomination” and saying that no one could pass, “not even an ambulance”.
When questioned on whether his post was some sort of dig at Abela, Micallef vehemently denied the allegation, saying that the prime minister had every right to attend.
He went on to continue censuring the event while comparing it to his own, pointing out a “stark contrast” between the quality of his events and this one.
Meanwhile, the ROCS director told the Times of Malta that the group had acquired all necessary permits for the event from the Valletta Local Council, Cleansing Department, Cultural Heritage, police and the Planning Authority.
On the website, the event is described as an “11 days of excitement and entertainment “ and a “Family Fun Event”.
Do you agree with Jason Micallef’s sentiments?