Momentum stands with Valletta’s Festa volunteers and calls for stronger protection of Malta’s traditions

Momentum expresses its support for the concerns raised by the Għaqda Festa Madonna tal-Karmnu Valletta regarding the obstacles faced while preparing for one of Malta’s most cherished traditional festas.

Carmel Asciak, Treasurer of Momentum said, “Malta’s festas  are a unique expression of our history, culture, identity and community spirit. The dedication of volunteers, who devote countless hours over many months to prepare the spectacular decorations and celebrations, is one of the defining characteristics of what it means to be Maltese. These traditions are recognised and admired all over and deserve to be protected, not treated as an inconvenience.”

When commercial interests, such as street furniture occupying pavements, squares and stairs, are consistently given priority over voluntary cultural activities, the government is sending a message that profit matters more than heritage. 

Momentum also notes with concern that the costs of repairing the damage of a 100-year-old festa statue and pedestal is being covered by the Malta Film Commission, a publicly funded body. While Momentum welcomes the commitment to restore the statue and pedestal, taxpayers should not be made to shoulder the financial burden of mistakes caused by private commercial interests. The costs of any damage caused during filming should ultimately fall on the production company responsible, not on public funds.

Volunteers should not have to struggle against unnecessary bureaucratic or logistical obstacles simply to preserve traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Asciak added, “If we lose our own traditions, we lose part of our collective memory and national identity. Once these customs disappear, they cannot be reestablished.”

Momentum calls on the government and all relevant authorities to ensure that Malta’s traditional festas are properly safeguarded. Authorities should work hand in hand with voluntary organisations, providing the support, coordination and assistance they need so that these unique traditions can continue to flourish.

Our cultural heritage belongs to all of us. Protecting it requires more than words of appreciation during election campaigns or feast days. It requires practical action, respect for volunteers, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that Malta’s living traditions remain at the heart of our communities for generations to come.

There is hope, you can help!

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