For some, it’s a deep expression of faith and attachment to tradition, while others see it as a unique way of preserving local customs. Who’s right? Both, and that’s the beauty of festa.
Malta Celebrates: Traditional Maltese Festa Added to UNESCO's Intangible Heritage List
Malta's traditional festa has been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a noteworthy achievement. This recognition comes just as the season for these celebrations approaches. Festa is a mix of a religious holiday and a colorful, joyful festival, where the patron saint of each town or village is honored. It’s a celebration of history, tradition, and Christian faith. The festivities last a week in each parish and take place between April and October.
What Is Malta’s Festa?
Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular destination for Polish tourists. Its proximity and affordability make it an appealing choice. Those who have visited may be familiar with festa, a vibrant and joyful festival combined with a religious holiday. This event was recently added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, making it a point of pride for Maltese people and a must-see for travelers.
So, what exactly is festa? In simple terms, it’s a traditional celebration in honor of a parish’s patron saint, involving the entire community, not just the Christian congregation. It’s also a lively festival where everyone can find something special. The celebrations begin with decorating homes and streets, followed by a spectacular fireworks show, the main attraction. The town or village squares are filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, local food and drinks, toys, and other colorful and interesting items. A street parade and a procession featuring the saint’s statue, along with evening concerts and fireworks displays, are key elements of the festivities.
There are currently 95 of these events on Malta and Gozo, happening weekly in different towns and villages, with most occurring during the summer months
- according to the national-geographic.pl portal.
Malta's Festa Is Not the Only Thing Listed by UNESCO - What Else Made the List?
UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, established under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, continues to grow, recognizing significant cultural phenomena and practices worldwide.
In addition to festa, Malta has other cultural treasures recognized by UNESCO, much to the pride of its people. In 2021, the Maltese folk song g?ana was added to the list. Another notable addition is ftira, a ring-shaped bread filled with sardines, tuna, potatoes, fresh tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives, which is a staple of Maltese cuisine.
