Discordant notes at <i>Notte Bianca</i> (1)

The second edition of Notte Bianca - Lejl Imdawwal was a huge success as indeed Maltese and tourists were spoilt for choice in terms of musical, artistic, creative and traditional events which included the Maltese festa. Merchants Street created a living re-enactment of the religious and folklore aspects of the festa, with flags, banners, statues and artistic decorations complete with the inevitable nougat seller (tal-qubbajt).

Yet the atmosphere struck a discordant note with the absence of the musical notes by a live village band playing the traditional marches synonymous with every Maltese festa. This is only constructive criticism which may be taken as the fly in the ointment. I am also voicing the opinion of many festa promoters and enthusiasts who shared my views on this missing link in an otherwise excellent display of Maltese craftsmanship and religious folklore.

The presence of a band if the concept of a Maltese festa is repeated will certainly add to even a "bigger and better" Lejl Imdawwal next time as promised and delivered this year by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.