Vittoriosa will be bathed in the soft glow of candlelight during the ninth edition of Birgufest over the weekend.

Mayor John Boxall said this year’s edition would focus on education. All schools have been invited to sample a flavour of Vittoriosa’s rich history on Friday, with medieval re-enactments and guided tours to the St Lawrence parish church, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the monastery of the Benedictine nuns.

On Saturday night, street lights will be switched off and the city will be lit up by candles.

Local councils Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo said residents were greatly involved in Birgufest, with some 90 per cent taking an active part.

Valletta 2018 Foundation Jason Micallef said the foundation commissioned artist Enrique Tabone to create a contemporary art installation, inspired by the dgħajsa tal-pass, at Couvre Porte.

Nationalist Party spokesman Robert Cutajar called on the government to increase the funds allocated to local councils. Birgufest costs an estimated €42,000.

Museums, churches and other places of interest will open their doors until late. They include the Prince of Wales Own Band Club, the Maritime Museum, the Malta at War Museum, the Oratory of the Crucifix, the Convent and Cloister of the Dominican Friars and the Auberge d’Angleterre.

The Norman House will be open for free while a reptile exhibition by the Malta Herpe-tological Society will be held at the Auberge de France.

Parking will be available at the football ground at Fortini and near the Kalkara Boċċi Club. A park and ride service from Kordin (near the Hibs ground) and Garden Road, Żabbar, to the Vittoriosa bus terminus will be organised.