Malta Lights Up the Night in Spectacular 2025 Fireworks Festival Finale

May 4 2025

The 2025 Malta International Fireworks Festival concluded on April 30 with a dazzling finale at Valletta’s Grand Harbour, marking the 21st anniversary of Malta’s EU membership. This year’s edition featured over 85 local and international pyrotechnic teams, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation that captivated thousands of spectators across multiple venues.

The prestigious Pyrotechnical Musical competition crowned Għaqda Piroteknika 10 ta’ Awwissu from Birgu, Malta, as the overall winner. Poland’s Nakaja Art and Italy’s Foti Fireworks secured second and third places, respectively, while teams from France, the UK, and Mexico rounded out the top six. The festival also included performances by last year’s champions, Għaqda tan-Nar Kerċem, and introduced a surprise finale that combined fireworks with cutting-edge technology.

Spanning from April 22 to 30, the festival’s events were held at the Grand Harbour and in Nadur, Gozo, highlighting Malta’s rich pyrotechnic heritage. For the first time, local band clubs participated, adding a new cultural dimension to the festivities.

Organised by the Malta Tourism Authority, the festival not only celebrated Malta’s craftsmanship in fireworks but also reinforced its appeal as a year-round tourist destination. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg emphasised the event’s role in promoting cultural tourism and showcasing Malta’s national identity on the international stage.

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Bernard Grech Requests ‘Urgent Meeting’ With Prime Minister Over Aid Vessel Attack

May 4 2025

Opposition leader Bernard Grech has written to the Prime Minister requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the attack on the Conscience, a humanitarian aid vessel targeted just outside Maltese territorial waters.

Grech called for a “united national front” that transcends partisan politics, stressing the need to address maritime security, Malta’s constitutional neutrality, and the protection of national interests.

In a letter dated Saturday, Grech expressed serious concern over the drone attack, saying it warranted immediate discussion with relevant institutions.

“At times like these, when national security may be at risk, we must act together,” he stated, urging cooperation to ensure Malta’s security and stability. He also proposed using the meeting to assess potential consequences and coordinate a shared national response.

The Gaza-bound vessel, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was 14 nautical miles off Malta when it sustained damage early Friday morning.

The crew has remained aboard, refusing to abandon the ship, which is carrying humanitarian aid. The vessel was stripped of its Palauan flag the day before the incident.

The Maltese government said it had offered assistance multiple times. The attack has drawn international attention and condemnation, including from Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Imam Mohammed Elsadi.

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Alex Eubank And Greg Doucette Join Youth Free Gym Scheme Launch

May 3 2025

The Youth Free Gym Scheme officially launches this Sunday, 4 May at 9:00AM at the Mediterranean College of Sport in Birkirkara.

Young people born in 2005, 2006, or 2007 can claim a free six-month gym membership, with the event promising big prizes and high-energy fitness challenges.

Attendees will also have the chance to meet global fitness stars Alex Eubank and Greg Doucette, who will be present to inspire and motivate Malta’s next generation of gym-goers.

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One-Stop-Shop Launched For Festa Permits

May 3 2025

A new One-Stop-Shop service has been launched to streamline the process of obtaining permits for traditional festivals in Malta. The service, introduced by the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government in collaboration with the Ministry for the Interior, Security, and Work, aims to simplify permit applications for festival organisers.

The new platform will consolidate the permit process, reducing complexity and enabling volunteers to apply for necessary festival-related permits in one place. The initiative follows feedback from the community during a public meeting in late 2024, where it was highlighted that the existing process had become increasingly complicated and involved multiple separate entities.

The service will initially cover permits for road closures, police assistance, and festival-related activities, excluding pyrotechnics, which will be addressed in a future phase. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with a sequential application process that guides users through each step.

Minister Owen Bonnici emphasised the government’s commitment to listening to the public’s needs, while Minister Byron Camilleri highlighted the importance of festivals in Maltese culture. Local councils will also play a role in facilitating the process.

#MaltaDaily