Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539836
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 26 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS THE Gozo International Puppet Festival will be held from 26 to 28 September 2025, in the Piazzetta taż-Żjara tal-Madonna, in Għarb. Annoucing the event Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said that the festival, which combines art, creativity, and fam- ily entertainment, will feature a variety of shows and activ- ities including large puppets, tradition- al marionettes, and workshops aimed at families. The event will showcase talented artists from Malta and abroad, creating a rich cultural experience that is expected to appeal to audiences of all ages. A major highlight of this year's festival is the introduction of Żgugi- na, a six-meter-tall giant puppet inspired by the lo- cal legend of Saint Dem- etrius of Għarb. Żgugina was constructed entirely by local artists, craftsmen, and volunteers from both Gozo and Malta, transforming a tradi- tional Gozitan legend into a strik- ing community-made symbol. Camilleri emphasized the sig- nificance of the festival for Gozo's cultural and artistic scene. "This year's festival clearly demonstrates that Gozo is a vibrant island of arts and culture," he said. "We remain committed to supporting these activities so they can continue to grow year after year, attracting tourism to Gozo throughout the year while celebrating our culture and traditions." Żgugina is believed to be the first giant puppet of this scale ever built in the Maltese Islands. At the festival, she will act as a living sto- ryteller, bringing to life a local leg- end about a widow whose son was kidnapped by corsairs. According to the story, the widow promised to keep a lamp lit in front of a saint's image if her son returned. The saint emerged from a chap- el painting, rescued the boy, and the lamp was never extinguished. Żgugina is set to become a re- newed symbol of faith, courage, and storytelling in Għarb. The event was also attended by Għarb Mayor David Apap and Artistic Director and Organizer Jean Paul Mifsud, who thanked the Ministry for its support in making the festival possible. In addition to Żgugina, the festi- val will feature Fatima, a four-me- ter puppet created in solidarity with mothers around the world who have lost children, with par- ticular reference to Gaza. Fatima, paired with Żgugina, serves as a reminder that admiration for courage must also be coupled with empathy and solidarity. Visitors to the festival will be able to enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment, traditional food, and various stalls related to puppetry. The event is positioned as a family-friendly cultural expe- rience designed for children, fam- ilies, and lovers of the arts. Camilleri concluded by encour- aging everyone to join the festival in Għarb for an experience full of magic, culture, and entertain- ment. "We look forward to wel- coming visitors to this unique celebration in the heart of Għarb," he said. Gozo International Puppet Festival to be held in Gharb Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, Gharb Mayor David Apap and Artistic Director and Organizer Jean Paul Mifsud SEVERAL schools across Gozo have received significant im- provements to their facilities ahead of the new scholastic year, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri announced. In Sannat, upgraded outdoor spaces now feature soft play ar- eas, school turf, and enhanced recreational zones for children. Similar improvements have been carried out in Qala, Rabat, Għajnsielem, and Xewkija. Furthermore, Camilleri al- so highlighted ongoing work to improve indoor comfort, including the installation of air conditioning systems in schools in Għajnsielem, Għarb, and San Lawrenz. "These upgrades ensure that when students return, they will have access to improved learn- ing environments and recrea- tional spaces," Camilleri said. "A diverse range of works has been completed across Gozo's schools during the summer, so children can enjoy upgraded facilities from day one of the new school year." Church schools open new scholastic year with 17,000 students Around 17,000 students and more than 3,000 educators began the scholastic year in church schools at kindergar- ten, primary, secondary and post-secondary level, the Sec- retariat for Catholic Education has announced on Wednesday. The secretariat also said that around 2,000 new students are starting at one of the 55 church schools across Malta and Gozo, after around 4,300 applications were received. "Education is the source of all good," Archbishop Charles Scicluna said in a message to students and educators, adding that "learning comes from an inclusive, holistic education- al system that also promotes healthy values and has room for discipline and responsibil- ity but also for compassion towards the vulnerable." Each year, new educators join the sector, and the Sec- retariat for Catholic Educa- tion organises preparatory meetings for them. This year, around 130 new educators were welcomed by the Delegate for Catholic Ed- ucation, Fr Mark Ellul, and the Director General, Dr Ian Mifsud. They stressed that in a world where information is more accessible and artificial intelligence is growing fast, Catholic education should focus even more on the for- mation of the whole person and on guiding each person towards Jesus. Schools receive upgrades ahead of new academic year, Gozo Minister announces In Sannat, upgraded outdoor spaces now feature soft play areas, school turf, and enhanced recreational zones for children