After a three-year hiatus, a cultural program for the traditional feast of San Girgor has been announced. The events will be organised by the Culture Directorate who will now be responsible for the cultural aspect of the organisation of the festivities.
The program, which was announced at a press conference in Zejtun, will focus on the traditional dimension of the festival, which is believed to have been celebrated for the first time in the year 1543. Traditionally, this feast, apart from its religious aspect, is known for its connection to the first swim that occurs on the first Wednesday after Easter.
The Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated the government is duty-bound to see that traditional feasts like San Girgor continue to thrive and pass down from generation to generation. He also stated that in the formulation of the program of activities related to this traditional festival, the Culture Directorate worked hand in hand with the Local Councils of Zejtun and Marsaxlokk and will highlight the intangible cultural heritage aspect of our country.
“In this way,” said Dr Bonnici, “we will be preserving this traditional Maltese aspect while raising awareness about the intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional Maltese crafts and the Għana, which have been recognized in UNESCO’s representative list.”
On her part the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasized the important role of cultural activities in society, and explained how cultural activities like San Girgor help preserve our cultural heritage, boost the local economy and foster social cohesion. Additionally, Zerafa Civelli stated that the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government will continue to be committed in helping the Local Councils through cultural schemes thus safeguarding our cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Culture Directorate, as part of an internal restructuring process, also underwent rebranding. The new logo of the Directorate was launched during the press conference and was inspired by the traditional Maltese tile. The Director of this Directorate Aleks Farrugia, said that the process of restructuring the Culture Directorate will help to strengthen its identity and operations.
“The design of the new logo of the Directorate is based on the traditional aspect – the Maltese tile – but it is given a contemporary touch. This is the same way culture – despite its roots in the past – is experienced in the present context,” said Dr Farrugia.
He explained that the colors that make up the branding scheme are taken from the colors of the sunrise over the Grand Harbour, where the sunrise symbolizes a new day and a hopeful future, as well as the port that opens up to the sea, a symbol of connectivity with the rest of the world. The Culture Directorate is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the National Culture Policy. This Directorate promotes education and research in the cultural field, fosters cultural exchange, and organizes cultural events and activities in Malta.
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