Cultural activities this month in Gozo helped by Government funds

by Gozo News · June 4, 2015

“The Government is committed in sustaining local councils’ promotion of their local identities, as well as the arts and artisanship on a local basis.”

The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo, said this yesterday during the launching of the five cultural activities which will be held by Local Councils in Gozo and Malta throughout June.

Two of the events will be taking place in Gozo. On the 13th and 14th of June, ‘Fiori D’Argenta’ will be held in Xewkija, while the on 20th and 21st of June, the Xaghra Local Council will organise a festival of Figs and Traditional Local Food.

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo explained that Local Councils who seek Government financing for their cultural activities submit an application to a board which administers such funds, and that only applications which are deemed to have reached a high level of standard are accepted.

“The five June activities are expected to cost around €50,000 and the Government will cover approximately 40% of the expense as it believes in the intrinsic value of these activities. This investment is a tangible sign of the Government’s commitment to help local councils fulfil their legal obligation to safeguard local identity, traditions and folklore”

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo stated that the Government’s intention to raise the level of such activities with a view of encouraging more volunteers to take part in them. He said, “this will lead to festivals with an increased participation from the localities’ grassroots; festivals for the people, held by the people.”

He praised the endeavours of the San Giljan, Xewkija, Marsaskala, Xaghra and Birzebbuga Local Councils and wished them the best of luck.

In Malta, Il-Festa ta’ Lapsi will be held on the 6th of June at St Julian’s. The festival “Arti fil-Berah” will be held on 20th and 21st of June in Marsaskala. Finally, the Local Council of Birzebbuga will take us down memory lane on the 27th of June with the festival entitled “Ingeddu Tfulitna.”