Carnival enthusiasts should not be taken for a ride
Carnival enthusiasts deserve far better than nearly two decades of broken promises. The government’s confirmation that the Marsa Arts and Cultural Hub will only be completed by 2031, around 18 years after the project was first promised in the Labour Party’s 2013 electoral manifesto, is deeply disappointing.
Dr Alastair Farrugia, Executive Member of Momentum, said: “Carnival is not simply a week-long celebration. It is a cultural tradition built on the commitment of volunteers who spend months designing floats, creating costumes, rehearsing performances and passing their skills from one generation to the next. It also generates significant economic activity, attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors while supporting businesses in the hospitality, tourism and cultural sectors.”
Instead of delivering on its promise, successive Labour administrations have repeatedly postponed the project, altering its scope and dramatically increasing its cost.
Timeline of broken promises
- 2011: Carnival participants are required to leave Fort St Elmo and begin calling for a permanent home.
- 2013: The Labour Party promises a Carnival Village in Marsa in its electoral manifesto.
- 2015: Government announces a €6 million Carnival Village project with completion promised by 2018.
- 2016: The Planning Authority approves the project, and around €4.2 million in European Union funding is secured.
- 2017-2019: Several contracts related to the project are awarded, including works and professional services.
- 2018: The first completion deadline is missed.
- 2019: Government postpones completion to the end of 2020.
- 2020: The revised completion deadline was also missed.
- 2024: Government replaces the original Carnival Village concept with a much larger multi-purpose Arts and Cultural Hub.
- 2026: Works finally begin on the first phase after new European Union funding is secured.
- 2031: New proposed completion date at an estimated cost of around €63 million, more than ten times the original estimate.
Carnival is one of Malta’s oldest and most authentic expressions of traditional Maltese culture, preserving various customs and celebrations that have been passed down through generations of Maltese who embody our cultural traditions. This passionate dedication should be appreciated and deserves investment today, with infrastructure that reflects its cultural and economic importance.
Dr Farrugia said, “Every year, carnival attracts thousands of Maltese and foreign visitors, strengthens communities, showcases local artistic talent and contributes to the economy. After waiting for almost two decades, Carnival enthusiasts deserve action rather than yet another promise.”
Momentum wants Carnival enthusiasts to have certainty, proper facilities and a government that honours its commitments.
There is hope, you can help!
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