Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543090
BETWEEN 18th and 30th April, the 25th anniversary edition of the Malta International Fire- works Festival will bring togeth- er around 40 fireworks teams to once again light up the skies over the Grand Harbour and Nadur in Gozo, celebrating one of Mal- ta's most loved cultural tradi- tions whilst continuing to attract tourists outside of the summer months. The Malta Tourism Authority announced details of this antic- ipated annual event on Monday morning at Fort St Angelo in Birgu, overlooking the Grand Harbour. This year's festival will feature eight pyrotechnic teams com- peting in the pyro-musical com- petition, an increase from six in the previous year. Four of the competitors are Maltese, while the other four will travel to the Maltese Islands from overseas, including participants from countries that have never previ- ously taken part in this festival. Notably, the 25th anniversary edition will include a Canadian pyrotechnic company, marking participation from outside Eu- rope and reinforcing the festi- val's relevance within key long- haul tourism markets. In total, around 40 fireworks factories and affiliated societies will participate throughout the festival, highlighting the depth of local talent and artistry. Band clubs will also take part across the various dates, bringing the Maltese festa atmosphere to life through music and traditional celebrations. The festival programme will open on the 18th of April in Na- dur, Gozo, featuring non-com- petitive pyro- musical displays, traditional fireworks and a closing show by the winners of last year's competition, namely Għaqda Piroteknika 10 ta' Aw- wissu, Birgu. Competitive py- ro-musical events will then take place in Valletta on the 20th and 25th April, with four competi- tors performing on each night, accompanied by non-compet- itive pyro-musical, traditional displays as well as band club par- ticipation. The festival will end on the 30th of April with a grand finale at the Grand Harbour. Be- yond the competition, audiences will once again experience a wide range of traditional Maltese fire- works, including beraq, beraq pront, beraq tal-kulur, beraq bil- logħob, as well as murtali tal-ku- lur, sfejjer and blalen, showcas- ing the diversity, craftsmanship and artistry that characterise Malta's pyrotechnic heritage. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg commended the Malta Tourism Authority for its long-standing commitment to this festival, which remains one of the most popular events in Malta and Gozo's culture and entertainment calendars. He noted that: "While the international par- ticipation in this festival contin- ues to enhance Malta's visibility and appeal in key tourism mar- kets, this Festival remains deeply rooted in our local communities, celebrating the skill, dedication and heritage of Maltese pyro- technics, while offering an ex- ceptional platform to showcase this talent to both local and in- ternational fireworks experts and enthusiasts. It also demon- strates tourism's growing com- mitment to nurturing authentic travel experiences that preserve our cultural heritage, benefit lo- cal communities, and reinforce the industry's resilience and re- sponsibility." Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authori- ty, said: "Fireworks form an es- sential part of the Maltese festa tradition, which is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Mal- ta International Fireworks Festi- val elevates this tradition into a high-quality cultural tourism ex- perience that attracts diverse au- diences from different markets." Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority, added: "The increase in pyro-musical competitors from six to eight reflects the fes- tival's growing appeal. Events of this calibre are central to the Authority's strategy to strength- en Malta's year-round tourism offering, improve seasonality beyond the summer months and attract visitors who seek culture and distinctive, value-added ex- periences." Stanley Azzopardi, on behalf of the Malta Pyrotechnic Asso- ciation's Execu- tive Committee stated: "This festival pro- vides a unique o p p o r t u n i t y for fireworks enthusiasts to experience a wide variety of high-quality dis- plays in a single p r o g r a m m e , as Maltese, Gozitan and i n t e r n a t i o n a l fireworks manufacturers and companies come together to showcase their artistry in Nadur and Valletta. The Malta Pyro- technic Association will con- tinue to work closely with the Malta Tourism Authority to en- sure that the festival consistently delivers exceptional standards of quality and diversity through- out." The Malta International Fire- works Festival remains one of the most anticipated events on Malta's cultural calendar, draw- ing large crowds of Maltese fam- ilies and international visitors to Valletta and Nadur. For more information and timely updates, follow the Festival's Facebook and Instagram." 8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 FEBRUARY 2026 CULTURE MTA launches the 25th anniversary edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival The festival programme will open on the 18th of April in Nadur, Gozo, featuring non-competitive pyro- musical displays, traditional fireworks and a closing show by the winners of last year's competition