Gozo will be the Region of Culture for next year, this will follow on from the Eastern Region’s term as Region of Culture 2024 which ends in a few weeks.

A different region is selected each year to host a number of cultural activities in the respective localities

This was announced by the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, in the presence of the President of the Gozo Regional Council, Dr Samuel Azzopardi.

It was explained that during the next year the unique cultural identity of the island of Gozo will be celebrated through a multidisciplinary programme that explores and combines traditional and contemporary practices. The programme will cover various cultural and creative disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, literature, cultural heritage, architecture and gastronomy.

Minister Clint Camilleri claimed that, “we have been working hard to establish Gozo as a year-round destination and have created quality tourism. With the cultural activities organised by the Ministry, it has managed to attract visitors to the island even in the shoulder months.”

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that the calendar of activities will be widespread and diversified, including the participation of every locality and is therefore expected to attract tourists, Maltese and foreign, throughout all months of the year.

She explained that every locality, no matter how small, will participate in this programme which will continue to complement the activities already being carried out by local councils and other organisations on Gozo.

“The island of Gozo is unique and rich in terms of the cultural sector. The programme prepared by the Gozo Region is also vast, where apart from seeing religious activities, for which Gozo is well known, it will be going further and staging other activities linked to Gozo itself, folklore and even gastronomy, particularly traditional Gozitan food,” said Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.

President of the Gozo Region Dr Samuel Azzopardi said that the Region of Culture 2025 is an opportunity to celebrate the island’s talent while providing a platform and space for new artists to shine.

He concluded by saying that this will augur well for the future of creativity in Gozo, as the capital Victoria is currently submitting its bid for the European Capital of Culture 2031.

Photo: DOI

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