40 factories to take part in 25th edition of fireworks festival
The event will be held over Grand Harbour and Nadur from April 18 to 30
Forty fireworks teams will light up the skies over Grand Harbour and Nadur during the 25th anniversary edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festivals in April, the Malta Tourism Authority has announced.
This year’s festival will feature eight pyrotechnic teams competing in the pyro-musical competition, an increase from six in the previous year. Four of the competitors are Maltese, while the other four will travel to the Maltese islands from overseas, including participants from countries that have never previously taken part in the festival.
Notably, the 25th anniversary edition will include a Canadian pyrotechnic company, marking participation from outside Europe.
Band clubs will also take part across the various dates, bringing the Maltese festa atmosphere to life through music and traditional celebrations.
The festival programme will open on April 18 in Nadur, featuring non-competitive pyromusical displays, traditional fireworks and a closing show by the winners of last year’s competition, namely the Għaqda Piroteknika 10 ta’ Awwissu, Vittoriosa.
Competitive pyro-musical events will then take place in Valletta on April 20 and 25, with four competitors performing on each night, accompanied by non-competitive pyro-musical, traditional displays, as well as band club participation.
The festival will end on April 30, with a grand finale at Grand Harbour. Beyond the competition, audiences will once again experience a wide range of traditional Maltese fireworks, including beraq, beraq pront, beraq tal-kulur, beraq bil-logħob, as well as murtali tal-kulur, sfejjer and blalen, showcasing the diversity, craftsmanship and artistry that characterise Malta’s pyrotechnic heritage.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and Tourism Minister Ian Borg, who was present at the festival’s launch at Fort St Angelo, Vittoriosa, said that while the international participation in the festival continues to enhance Malta’s visibility and appeal in key tourism markets, the event “remains deeply rooted in our local communities, celebrating the skill, dedication and heritage of Maltese pyrotechnics, while offering an exceptional platform to showcase this talent to both local and international fireworks experts and enthusiasts.”
For more information and timely updates, follow the festival’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.