A new committee will attempt to give Maltese festi Unesco heritage recognition, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said today.

Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaPhoto: Mark Zammit Cordina

Addressing a press conference, Dr Bonnici said intangible cultural heritage such as festi and the Maltese language should be given the same attention afforded to archaeological findings and buildings.

The committee will be chaired by former health minister Godfrey Farrugia, himself a festa aficionado, who said Maltese festi were unique and needed protection.

The committee will be drafting a report to be finalised by June, which will guide Dr Bonnici on steps to secure the international UNESCO accreditation.

If successful, festi will join the likes of Armenian folk Duduk music, Belgium’s national carnival, Brazil’s street samba dance and China’s dragon boat festivals.

The committee includes author Oliver Friggieri, representatives from the Malta Arts Council and the Cultural Directorate, and legal consultant Fiorella Fenech Vella.

 

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