Updated at 3.30pm with Curia reaction
A Mellieħa fireworks society has hit out at the Curia for refusing it permission to let off a spectacular fireworks display from the roof of the parish church, describing the decision as "absurd."
The Marija Bambina society was officially informed of the refusal exactly a month before it was due to present the 14th edition of its annual show.
The society recalled how in May, the Curia issued a notice where it reminded all parishes of a long-standing policy that no fireworks may be let off from the roof of church buildings.
A meeting was held with the Vicar-General where the society explained why it disagreed with the policy. It was asked to prepare a detailed report and suggestions on how the policy could be updated. To this end, the society engaged two experts to prepare the report.
It said the report showed that no damage was caused to the stonework and addressed issues regarding safety.
Various suggestions were made on how such activities may be regulated.
After the report was presented, the society was asked to submit suggestions on how the impasse could be broken. It suggested the appointment of a committee of experts agreed by both sides to oversee the preparations and firing, along with fees that may be borne by the organisers.
After the new report was presented, no further communication was made before the permit refusal was announced.
The society asked why it was asked to submit its reports and suggestions when a decision had already been taken. It also asked why it was notified about the refusal so late. Was this a case of giving time for other shows to be banned, so that no exceptions could then be made?
The society said it was clear that the decision came from the Curia and not the Mellieħa parish priest, with whom it had worked closely in the past and would continue to do so.
It said it would consider alternative locations around Mellieħa square from where the show could be presented on the eve of the September 8 feast of the nativity of Our Lady
The society, however, urged the Archbishop to reconsider and to hold a meeting to discuss the issue. “Do not be an accomplice in the destruction of more Maltese traditions,” it said.
Curia says ban was published 'years ago'
The Archdiocese of Malta pointed out a directive was published years ago stating that fireworks should not be let off from Church property. A circular was actually published on May 4, 2018, referring to this ban, following which Church authorities discussed the current situation with parish priests and various experts. Representatives of fireworks societies also gave their views.
"Following a number of meetings, the original decision not to let off fireworks from Church property was upheld, the Archdiocese said, expressing its gratitude to the parishes and fireworks societies that found alternative venues for their fireworks displays.