In what is probably a first, Gudja’s rival band clubs have joined forces and presented a petition to the government seeking the legal title to a tract of land used to let off fireworks during the village’s three annual feasts.

The dispute revolves around some fields known as Ta’ Grabiel which are located on the outskirts of the locality, close to the Gudja United football pitch. Three years ago, the Land Department leased this agricultural land to a farmer following a public call.

In their petition bearing the signatures of about 500 villagers, which was tabled in Parliament two days ago, the complainants claimed that the tenant was breaching one of the conditions, whereby the fields should be made available to them two weeks before each feast. Consequently they are asking the government to transfer the land to them by lease or emphyteusis through a parliamentary resolution.

The complainants claim the tenant is breaching one of the conditions, whereby the fields are made available to them two weeks before each feast

The petition, which was presented by Opposition MP Jason Azzopardi, was signed by the two rival band clubs, the local council and the St Mary’s feast committee. Fireworks aficionados who spoke with the Times of Malta expressed their concern that this dispute could deal a fatal blow to this tradition.

“Due to the locality’s close proximity to the airport, this is the only site where we can let off fireworks at a safe distance. If we lose this battle, we are doomed,” they said. They added that in recent years the fireworks displays had attracted an increasing number of tourists to this village

Though the two band clubs take active part in Gudja’s titular feast held in mid-August, St Mary’s Band Club holds separate celebrations dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation on the last Sunday of October. On its part, the La Stella Band Club hold its feast in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary on the first Sunday of the same month.

In their petition, the complainants are claiming that in recent months they were hindered by the tenant from letting off fireworks from these fields, in breach of the lease conditions. They also noted that between mid-August and October, the land is not normally used for agricultural purposes.