The Gozo Region is recognised as the Region of Culture for 2025. It said that this initiative aims to showcase the region’s unique cultural heritage through a year-long programme of community outreach programmes, events, and activities in collaboration with Local Councils in Gozo, stakeholders, organisations and artists.

Gozo was announced as the Region for Culture 2025 in November last year. A different region is selected each year to host cultural activities in the respective localities.

This initiative is funded by the Local Government Division within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government.

Under the artistic direction of Elyse Tonna, the programme seeks to uncover hidden or overlooked narratives whilst strengthening local communities through a series of intimate and meaningful events, the Region said.

The artistic theme – Common Ground – highlights Gozo’s distinct character, shaped by its shared landscape and a commitment to unity, inclusivity, and collective experiences. Instead of large-scale events, it offers a year-long invitation to take a closer look-creating opportunities for collaboration, encouraging dialogue, and amplifying local voices.

The Gozo Region of Culture 2025 programme will celebrate Gozo’s cultural identity through a multidisciplinary approach, blending traditional and contemporary practices across dance, music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, literature, architecture and gastronomy.

The Gozo Region said that “by building on existing connections among cultural stakeholders while forging new partnerships, the programme aims to expand Gozo’s cultural network. It will also enhance and elevate ongoing initiatives, ensuring they align with the region’s evolving artistic vision and strategic goals.”It was explained that instead of one central celebration, the Artistic team worked with every Local Council to develop initiatives that took place across Gozo’s localities, forming a collective cultural celebration over a weekend that brought different spaces and communities to life.

This approach serves as both an invitation to the public and a reflection of the programme’s ethos, the Region said. Each event highlighted a meaningful aspect of its locality, showcasing distinctive places, traditions and art forms.

The weekend opened with an event on Friday, the 31st of January, with speeches by Artistic Director Elyse Tonna, Gozo Region President Dr Samuel Azzopardi, Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli.

The event was held at the Cittadella Cultural Centre and consisted of stories about Gozo, narrated through music, poetry and prose.

Speaking at the event, Gozo President Dr Samuel Azzopardi commented, “Gozo’s Region of Culture is a chance to showcase the island’s exceptional talent while creating opportunities for emerging artists and grassroots initiatives to thrive. While our island’s geography keeps us close, it is our culture that truly brings us together. This year marks a promising step forward for Gozo’s creative landscape, especially as its capital, Victoria, competes for the title of European Capital of Culture 2031.”

The cultural programme featured a diverse range of events catering to different interests and age groups, each with a unique cultural or local twist.

For more details of the events held over the opening weekend please click here.

Photos: Gozo Region

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