Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1297549
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2020 NEWS LAURA CALLEJA NOTHING in 2020 has been the same – and Halloween will not be an exception. The spooky holiday is under a month away, and already popu- lar events in particular Maltese villages have been cancelled to avoid large gatherings that can contribute to the spread of COV- ID-19. Notably, one of the biggest com- munity events on the island run by the Pembroke Local Council has already decided to shelf the event for next year. Mayor Dean Hili told MaltaTo- day that the success of the event has always been based on num- bers, while simultaneously ensur- ing the safety of children who at- tend. "We have had to take great care in dealing with the numbers and ensuring everyone's safety. But without the numbers though there is little scope for the activi- ty as its sole aim was to generate donations for the Puttinu Cares charity," Hili said. Malta is currently registering between 30 and 50 cases of COV- ID-19 per week. After a spike in infections over the summer, au- thorities reduced group gather- ings in public spaces to 10 peo- ple. Masks are only mandatory in public closed spaces, in retail outlets, on public transport and on the ferry, but advisable to be worn when in close contact with people. Originally organised by resi- dents, Pembroke's Halloween event created a safe space for children to 'trick or treat', with the spooky gathering starting in Triq San Gorg Preca and the surrounding streets closed off to ensure the safety of everyone participating. The event usually attracts trick-or-treaters from across the island. Hili said residents of the streets in question expressed concerns at having big numbers gather in the street during the current pandemic. "Regretfully, it was shelved for the next year when we hope to be able to meet," he said. While Hili said the council won't be discouraging individu- als from trick-or-treating, it has requested a meeting with the po- lice to discuss the possibility of unruly activities sprouting. "We expect there to be a strong police presence to keep a watchful eye." However, Hili said the coun- cil was mainly concerned about adults gathering at the Luxol park-and-ride. "It's not the small groups of young children trick or treating that's the worry but the unruly mess there was at the park-and-ride area and in its vi- cinity last year; there were thou- sands there, none of whom were attending the council activity, which is strictly aimed at young children," Hili said. Likewise, a spokesperson for the Naxxar local council said that all activities were cancelled due to COVID-19. Usually, the council hosts an event for local children, that in- cludes karaoke, taking penalties against the Naxxar Lions goal- keepers, and reading stories. Swieqi resident Jean Paul Barthet, organiser of one of the village's widely-celebrated haunt- ed homes, told MaltaToday that he and his wife will not be setting up their elaborate haunted house. Barthet's house has gradually be- come the most popular trick-or- treating stop in the area. "Sadly it will not be held this year… and should not be held," Barthet said, adding that he make the an- nouncement on social media to explain exactly why he cancelled the event. lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Halloween events in various localities have been cancelled due to COVID-19 COVID's too scary for Halloween Before it got real: two revellers at the Nadur carnival make light of the impending pandemic in February 2020