The festa has been recognised by UNESCO as part of Malta’s intangible cultural heritage.

It joins the Għana (Maltese folk song) and the ftira that were listed in 2021 and 2020 respectively.

Noel Camilleri, president of the Għaqda Nazzjonali Każini tal-Banda that put forward the nomination, said the festa was an integral part of Malta's cultural identity. 

“UNESCO recognised the value of all the elements of the festa: the liturgical and the traditional outdoor celebrations. Over the years we noticed that elements were being introduced that dampened the value of the festa such as DJs as opposed to bands," Camilleri said.

The banda is part of the traditional festa. PHOTO: Chris Sant Fournier

What does the listing actually mean?

He said that now that the festa was listed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a monitoring committee would be set up by the government and stakeholders. The committee would have to report to UNESCO.

Every year a UNESCO committee meets to evaluate nominations made by various countries and decides whether or not to inscribe cultural practices and expressions of intangible heritage on the list.

This year the festa was accepted during a meeting in Botswana. The 2023 list included traditional Syrian glassblowing, the Alpine pasture season in Switzerland and the Bolero as an indispensable part of the Latin American sentimental song.

In a post on X, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said: "Big news for Malta's cultural scene!  The Maltese festa is now officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Kudos to the incredible volunteers who bring festas to life across the islands!"

What is protected exactly?

The UNESCO website outlines the definition of the traditional festa that deserves safeguarding. It says:

"The festa is a community event of religious origin held annually in village parishes across Malta and Gozo. The main festa season in Malta starts towards the end of April and runs until the beginning of October, with multiple events taking place in different villages.

"Community volunteers prepare the festa throughout the year and the event itself typically lasts a week. On the final day, a statue is carried in a procession led by the clergy and accompanied by members of the parish and marching bands. Festa weeks entail concerts, band marches, firework displays and bell ringing.

"Typical festa food, such as nougat, is sold from street stalls. The practice is transmitted informally through participation in the preparation and events. For instance, youth learn the stories and songs of the village and its sacred figures and how to participate in the festa by attending community events. Some parishes organise a children’s festa in conjunction with the church, and children carry a smaller statue through the town.

"Despite its increased secularisation, the festa remains an important part of cultural heritage in Maltese villages, uniting families, outsiders and local communities in a celebration of popular religiosity and local identities."

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Malta was on an urgent safeguarding list. In fact, the festa was recognised because of its cultural importance and not because there is a need for urgent safeguarding.