The Eastern Region will be designated as the Cultural Region for the year 2024, and for this purpose, the Eastern Regional Council together with the Local Councils within it are expected to organise various cultural activities throughout the upcoming year.
The Division of Local Government is allocating a quarter of a million euros to the Eastern Region for this purpose.
This was announced by the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli.
Minister Owen Bonnici emphasiSed that this is an investment not only in more cultural activities in the various towns and villages, but ultimately in the artists and creators themselves who possess so much talent.
He recalled that the Eastern Region will be the second region to have a cultural calendar after the Southern Region successfully inaugurated a cultural calendar for the current year. In total, this year alone, 14 cultural activities were organised, and it is planned to hold 9 more cultural activities in the remaining months in the South of the country.
Minister Bonnici stressed that this undoubtedly contributes significantly to the enhancement of the cultural fabric.
From her end, Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli highlighted the success that this scheme brought to the localities within the Southern Region and explained that the cultural activities and initiatives that were organised will contribute to the appreciation of Maltese culture and its preservation for future generations.
“In the same way, there is no doubt that the Eastern Region will present an excellent cultural calendar. The Cultural Regions scheme is continuously growing, promoting Maltese culture and its unique cultural heritage in various localities around the country,” emphasised Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.
Permanent Secretary Joyce Dimech explained that through the Cultural Region of the year, we have the opportunity to implement substantial parts of the cultural strategies of the six regions that will be launched later this year.
“This demonstrates the positive result when there is strong collaboration between various entities and sections. Therefore, I would like to thank all those involved in this project,” said Ms. Dimech.
The President of the Eastern Regional Council, Anthony Chircop, stated that the title of Cultural Region will serve as a platform showcasing the unique identity of the Eastern Region. “We are committed to implementing sustainable initiatives with active community involvement. In the cultural program, we will honor our roots and historical traditions, while celebrating the diverse heritage that forms our foundation. We will also celebrate diversity and emphasize the bond between generations and cultures,” explained Mr. Chircop.
The localities within the Eastern Region that will be part of the Cultural Region include Birkirkara, Pembroke, Swieqi, Pieta, Għargħur, Ħal Lija, Imsida, Ta’ Xbiex, St. Julian’s, Sliema, Iklin, and Gżira.
#MaltaDaily
