After an absence of three years, a cultural programme for the traditional feast of St Gregory has been announced. The events will be organised by the Culture Directorate, which will now be responsible for the cultural aspect of the organisation of the festivities.
The programme, which was announced at a press conference in Żejtun, will focus on the traditional dimension of the feast, which is believed to have been celebrated for the first time in the year 1543. Traditionally, this feast, apart from its religious aspect, is known for its connection to the first swim that occurs on the first Wednesday after Easter.
Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that the government is duty-bound to see that traditional feasts like the one of St Gregory continue to thrive and are passed from generation to generation. He added that in the formulation of the programme of activities related to this traditional festival, the Culture Directorate worked hand in hand with the Local Councils of Żejtun and Marsaxlokk and would highlight the intangible cultural heritage aspect of our country.
“In this way, we will be preserving this traditional Maltese aspect while raising awareness about the intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional Maltese crafts and the Għana, which have been recognised on UNESCO’s representative list”, Minister Bonnici said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, emphasised the important role of cultural activities in society, and explained how cultural activities like St Gregory feast help preserve our cultural heritage, boost the local economy, and foster social cohesion.
Additionally, Zerafa Civelli stated that the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government will continue to be committed to helping the local councils through cultural schemes, thus safeguarding our cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Culture Directorate, as part of an internal restructuring process, also underwent rebranding. The new logo of the Directorate was launched during the press conference and was inspired by the traditional Maltese tile. The Director of this Directorate, Aleks Farrugia, said that the process of restructuring the Culture Directorate will help to strengthen its identity and operations. He explained that the colours that make up the branding scheme are taken from the colours of the sunrise over the Grand Harbour, where the sunrise symbolises a new day and a hopeful future, as well as the harbour that opens up to the sea, a symbol of connectivity with the rest of the world.
The Culture Directorate is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the National Culture Policy. This directorate promotes education and research in the cultural field, fosters cultural exchange, and organises cultural events and activities in Malta.
