Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532617
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 21 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS THE Gozo Region has been rec- ognised as the Region of Culture for 2025, with the aim being to showcase the region's unique cultural heritage through a year– long programme of community outreach programmes, events and activities in collaboration with Local Councils in Gozo, stakeholders, organizations and artists. This initiative is funded by the Local Government Division within the Parliamentary Secre- tariat for Local Government. Under the artistic direction of Elyse Tonna, the programme aims to uncover hidden or over- looked narratives whilst strength- ening local communities through a series of intimate and meaning- ful events. The artistic theme, Common Ground, highlights Gozo's dis- tinct character, shaped by its shared landscape and a commit- ment to unity, inclusivity, and collective experiences. Instead of large-scale events, it offers a year- long invitation to take a closer look—creating opportunities for collaboration, encouraging dia- logue, and amplifying local voic- es. Instead of one central cele- bration, the artistic team have worked with every Local Council to develop initiatives that took place across Gozo's localities, forming a collective cultural cel- ebration over a weekend that brought different spaces and communities to life. This approach serves as both an invitation to the public and a reflection of the programme's ethos. Each event highlighted a mean- ingful aspect of its locality, show- casing distinctive places, tradi- tions and art forms. By focusing on small-scale yet impactful interventions, the launch reinforced the Region's commitment to innovation, col- laboration and community en- gagement. The weekend opened with an event at the Cittadella Cultural Centre and consisted of stories about Gozo, narrated through music, poetry and prose. Opening speeches were deliv- ered by artistic director Elyse Tonna, Gozo Region President Dr Samuel Azzopardi, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Par- liamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civ- elli. Cultural programme The cultural programme fea- tured a diverse range of events catering to different interests and age groups, each with a unique cultural or local twist: Munxar: Honouring Ġużè Aq- uilina - Informative Discussions on Ġużè Aquilina, a Maltese au- thor and linguist born in Munxar. Qala: Tracing Beginnings - A public talk about Qala and its re- lation to the legends of San Ker- rew at its birthplace, the Immac- ulate Conception Chapel in Qala where the Saints bones lie and can be seen. Xewkija: Sculpting Imagination - An artistic workshop for 10-12 year olds. Għasri: Narrating the Past - Po- etry Reading in Gozo's Smallest Basilica. Għarb: A Hidden Heritage - A live demonstration of the village's rich history through storytelling, showcasing of traditions, and dance. Nadur: A Prelude to Carnival - honouring its longstanding Car- nival tradition, Nadur hosted tra- ditional music performances at Pupu's Bar, renowned for its car- nival celebrations. Here a 'Spirtu Pront' way of playing instruments was noted where throughout the night different and locals joined in creating a spontaneous band. Għajnsielem: Beyond the Lens - A photo exhibition of Għajn- sielem through time taking place at the Marine Educational Centre and Library found in the core of the locality. Kerċem: Waterways of the Past - Two intimate tours of Għar Il- ma and of the British-built canals that once transported water from Għar Ilma to the iconic Gozo aq- ueduct. Ta' Sannat: Stories of Pjazza tax-Xelina - Discussion and con- versation on the extensive Histo- ry of Pjazza tax-Xelina and its in- volvement in Sannat and Gozitan history. Xagħra: Foundations of a Com- munity - Re-enactment linked to the locality's History and the founding of the parish in 1688. Żebbuġ: The Tradition of Għażżiela - A hands-on demon- stration of the creation of the Traditional Għażżiela San Lawrenz: Uncovering its Punic Past - A village linked with its Punic history, the Local Coun- cil made available to the public a recently discovered underground Punic temple. Fontana: Life at the Washhouse - A live demonstration show- cased the traditional wool-wash- ing process at the iconic Għajn tal-Ħasselin, here Joseph Bezzina also read from his book written about and for this locality. More information on the or- ganised events is accessible at regjunghawdex.com/culture Gozo Region hosts Region of Culture 2025 opening Showcasing history through traditional dance and music