Local councils are to be congratulated for their initiatives in organising folk or social festivals that very often throw a spotlight on their historical or folkloristic character.

Some of these gatherings are well organised and attract locals and others from many parts of the islands.

Some days ago, the Sta Venera local council came up with an innovative idea of organising an evening of song, dance, food and drink in the stretch of St Joseph's Road that is graced with the historic Wignacourt Aqueduct, Sta Venera's best known landmark. The imposing arches were all floodlit as were the imposing palaces on the opposite side of the road, surely among the finest buildings one can find anywhere in Malta.

Despite the lack of publicity, people attended in their hundreds and had fun throughout the evening.

Well done, St Venera local council and volunteers.

Considering that St Joseph's High Road is one of the busiest in Malta, hardly any inconvenience was caused. The road was closed to traffic and parking for only a few hours.

This year was just the beginning and can be considered a resounding success. One hopes that this experience will encourage the council to move on to more innovative ideas and include this event in its yearly calendar.