Moviment Graffitti Cancel Gaza Aid Vessel Protest After Encouraging Progress

May 4 2025 Share

The Moviment Graffitti protest “Let the Conscience In,” which was scheduled for today at 5:30pm outside Castille, has been cancelled following encouraging developments concerning the humanitarian vessel Conscience.

The aid vessel, which was allegedly attacked by Israeli drones off Malta’s coast while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, has now received tangible offers of support from the Maltese Prime Minister according to Moviment Graffitti.

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Organisers expressed gratitude to the many Maltese citizens who have shown solidarity with the ship’s mission and with the Palestinian people, who continue to suffer amid what has been described as a genocide in Gaza.

Despite the protest’s cancellation, they reaffirmed their demands: that the Conscience be granted permission to dock in Malta for repairs, and that the Maltese Government publicly condemn the drone attack on the humanitarian vessel.

Moviment Graffitti also encouraged the public to participate in the upcoming Nakba commemoration march on Thursday, 15th May.

The event, which honours the displacement of Palestinians in 1948, will take place along the Gżira waterfront and begin at 6:00pm. The movement remains committed to supporting humanitarian aid and justice for the Palestinian people.

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Abandoned Site Transformed Into Public Garden In Santa Luċija

May 4 2025 Share

An abandoned site in Santa Luċija has been transformed into a vibrant green space thanks to Project Green’s latest initiative.

Officially named Ġnien l-Iskultura, the 2,300-square-metre area is now open to around 5,000 residents living nearby, providing a serene environment adjacent to the well-known Chinese Garden, Serenity Garden.

With an investment exceeding €1 million, the new space includes Oriental-inspired features such as a red iron bridge crossing a koi pond, symbolising joy, prosperity, and the repelling of negative energy.

The garden also saw the planting of 38 trees, adding to its tranquil and refreshing atmosphere.

Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli highlighted the project as part of an ongoing commitment to improve quality of life through accessible green spaces.

Ġnien l-Iskultura is the second such project in the locality, following Ġnien Sembjożi created last year.

Project Green COO Beverley Costa explained that the garden was designed to be inclusive and serve as a continuation of the neighbouring Oriental-style garden. Santa Luċija Mayor Charmaine St John encouraged both residents and visitors from across Malta and Gozo to explore the new space.

Project Green will also be responsible for the long-term maintenance and care of the garden.

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Malta Responds Swiftly to Distress Call from Gaza-Bound Vessel After Drone Attack

May 4 2025 Share

On May 2, 2025, the unflagged vessel Conscience, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters approximately 17 nautical miles off Malta’s coast. The ship, carrying humanitarian aid and activists en route to Gaza, sustained fire damage, but no casualties were reported.

Responding promptly to the vessel’s SOS, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) dispatched a patrol boat to assist in firefighting efforts and ensure the safety of those onboard. The crew and passengers were offered evacuation via a tugboat, but they declined the offer. Subsequent rescue attempts and offers of humanitarian aid, including essential supplies, were also refused by the vessel’s occupants.

To assess the vessel’s condition and facilitate necessary repairs, Maltese authorities proposed sending a marine surveyor aboard. However, the ship’s captain denied permission for the surveyor to board. The Conscience, previously registered under Palau, which revoked its registration prior to the incident, is currently stranded at sea due to threats of confiscation from regional ports.

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Malta Lights Up the Night in Spectacular 2025 Fireworks Festival Finale

May 4 2025 Share

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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