Curia angers organisers after banning fireworks show from Mellieħa church

The Curia has refused to give permission to the Marija Bambina fireworks society to let off a spectacular fireworks display from the roof of the parish church.

The society was officially informed of the refusal exactly a month before it was due to present the 14th edition of its annual show. It described the decision as “absurd”.

The society said that in May, the Curia issued a notice where it reminded all parishes of a longstanding policy that no fireworks may be let off from the roof of church buildings.

But in a meeting with the VicarGeneral, the society 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, which showed that no damage was caused to the stonework.

The society 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.

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 part of the destruction of more Maltese traditions, it said.

In a short statement, the Curia stood by its original decision.

Following the Archdiocese of Malta circular published on 4 May 2018, which referred to a previous directive published years ago stating that fireworks should not be let off from Church property, Church authorities discussed the current situation with parish priests and various experts, and also met representatives of fireworks societies who wanted to give their views, it said in a statement.

Following a number of meetings, the original decision not to let off fireworks from Church property was upheld.

The Archdiocese expressed its gratitude to a number of parishes and fireworks societies that accepted to adhere to the policy and found alternative venues for their fireworks displays.