Verdala Palace Celebrates Falconry As A Living Heritage

On Sunday, 1 November, the Malta Falconers Club hosted a reception at Verdala Palace under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono.

Held under the theme The Maltese Falcon: A Living Legacy, the event brought together Maltese and international representatives, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and the falconry community.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono addressed those in attendance, while Malta Falconers Club President Lucas Micallef welcomed guests. Julian Mühle, Chief Executive Officer of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF), also spoke about falconry's shared traditions and international community.

Falconry is recognised by UNESCO as "Falconry, a living human heritage". In Malta, the practice also has a unique historical significance. One of the conditions attached to Charles V's 1530 grant of Malta to the Order of St John was the annual presentation of a falcon on All Saints' Day, observed on 1 November. Holding the reception on that date highlighted this historic connection.

During the evening, the Club presented a donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCFF) in support of its work with individuals and families in need across Malta and Gozo.

The reception also featured a medal ceremony recognising contributions to falconry. The Malta Falconers Club thanked the President for her patronage, as well as everyone who attended and helped make the event a success.

#MaltaDaily