Festalingwi

The European Commission Representation in Malta, in collaboration with the University of Malta, is delighted to unveil the inaugural edition of Festalingwi, a vibrant one-day festival set to take place on September 24, commemorating the European Day of Languages. The event will be held at the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus and admission is free of charge.

Festalingwi promises an engaging and diverse experience with over 20 captivating activities, complemented by an array of informative stands. This festival will serve as a grand celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange, catering to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

For our younger attendees, Festalingwi offers an enriching program featuring a captivating theatrical performance titled "The History of Malta and Maltese" by More or Less Theatre, the thrilling final of the Żanżan Kelma Maltese spelling bee as well as French classes especially tailored for children.

The festival also emphasises the importance of language education with introductory courses on Maltese Sign Language and Maltese for foreigners. Moreover, an enlightening introduction to the Basque language will be on offer.

Language is not only a means of communication but also a tool for stimulating meaningful discussions. Festalingwi will address pertinent topics, including local attitudes towards Maltese and English, as well as the role of Maltese in an increasingly multicultural society. Local NGO Inizjamed will lead a literary workshop, while the Department of English Students Association (DESA) will be testing attendees’ literary knowledge at their stand.  

Of course, no celebration of language would be complete without music. The festival will culminate in a musical extravaganza featuring Djun, one of the premier local acts performing in Maltese. The musical programme will commence with a captivating performance by Mariele Żammit and Christian Borg, who will enchant the audience with Maltese songs and traditional għana infused with a jazzy twist.

For many years, the European Day of Languages has been a platform for celebrating Europe's rich linguistic and cultural heritage, encouraging individuals to explore foreign languages alongside their own. This year marks a significant collaboration between the Language Office at the European Commission Representation in Malta and the University of Malta in organising European Day of Languages activities.

David Schembri, Language Officer at the EC Representation, stated, "Languages are at the core of our lives, and by delving deeper into them, we gain insights into ourselves as individuals and as a society. We hope that Festalingwi will nurture a profound love and appreciation for languages, whether foreign or our own."

Pierre Cassar, Director of Marketing, Communications and Alumni at the University of Malta, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "The University of Malta is a leading institution in language scholarship in Malta, and we are thrilled to have a new platform to showcase our language research and teaching to a broader audience beyond our lecture halls."

About Festalingwi

Festalingwi is an annual one-day festival celebrating linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. Organised by the European Commission Representation in Malta and the University of Malta, Festalingwi offers a vibrant program of activities, language lessons, discussions, and entertainment for all ages, fostering a love and appreciation for languages and their significance in our lives.

About the European Day of Languages

The European Day of Languages is a yearly celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage across Europe. It is celebrated annually on the 26 September and aims to promote language learning, cultural exchange, and intercultural understanding among people of all ages and backgrounds. Established by the Council of Europe and the European Commission, this event encourages individuals to explore and embrace languages beyond their mother tongue.