Parties demand safeguards for Valletta traditions after statue damage

Nationalist Party councillors and Momentum have called for stronger protection of Valletta’s traditional festas after a century-old statue was knocked over and badly damaged.

The 100-year-old statue was toppled by a film crew which was producing a film in St George's Square. 

The Minister for Culture said he was informed of the incident and an agreement was reached between all parties concerned for damages to be paid by the film producers.

In separate statements on Sunday, the PN councillors and Momentum expressed solidarity with the Għaqda Festa Madonna tal-Karmnu and the volunteers preparing for the feast.

PN minority leader Ylenia Montfort and councillors Roberta Bonello Felice and Vince Fabri said the incident reflected wider problems faced by Valletta residents during religious feasts and other community events. They accused the Government of placing other interests before those of residents and said the capital was becoming increasingly difficult for local communities to enjoy.

The councillors referred to an incident two years ago when the procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was stopped in Merchants Street until an electricity cable crossing the road was removed. 

They also said this year’s procession would have to follow a different route because a crane had been erected along its usual path.

"This is the situation in Valletta, and it continues to deteriorate," the statement read. 

"Valletta residents do not want to be bought with money. They want the opportunity to enjoy their traditions as a community, traditions that go back hundreds of years, without further disruption and disappointment."

The councillors pledged to press Valletta council and the central authorities to take stronger action to protect residents’ rights and local traditions.

Momentum also backed the feast organisers, saying volunteers should not face unnecessary logistical or bureaucratic obstacles.

Commercial interest given priority over cultural activities

Party treasurer Carmel Asciak said festas were an important expression of history, culture, identity and community life.

“The dedication of volunteers, who devote countless hours over many months to prepare the decorations and celebrations, is one of the defining characteristics of what it means to be Maltese,” he said.

“These traditions are recognised and admired all over and deserve to be protected, not treated as an inconvenience.”

Momentum said commercial interests, including street furniture occupying pavements, squares and stairways, should not be given priority over voluntary cultural activities.

It also questioned why the Malta Film Commission, a publicly funded body, was covering the cost of repairing the damaged statue and pedestal. It said while it welcomed the commitment to restore the statue, taxpayers should not be made to shoulder the financial burden of mistakes caused by private commercial interests. 

Momentum called on the Government and the relevant authorities to work more closely with voluntary organisations to safeguard traditional festas.

“Protecting our cultural heritage requires practical action, respect for volunteers and a genuine commitment to ensuring that Malta’s living traditions remain at the heart of our communities,” it said.