The Valletta Green Festival officially kicks off

The Valletta Green Festival—the annual event which is synonymous with the Maltese Cultural Calendar— opened on Thursday and will be active until Sunday .

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli were present for the Valletta Green Festival’s official opening.

Minister Bonnici stated that, “Year after year, the Valletta Green Festival is increasing in popularity. This is because the main theme is the environment and this is dear to many people. In fact, the Government’s priority is to have more environmental and sustainable projects in urban areas for the benefit of the citizens.”

Minister Bonnici also said that “Such activities strengthen the artistic and cultural aspects and continue building ‘green’ collaborations with various entities. We will continue to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors, as well as engaging directly with the public.”

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli urged the public to attend the festival to enjoy the infiorata and the various activities taking place. “Visitors can experience the work carried out by the various entities responsible for the protection of nature and the environment while gaining more information on valleys, biodiversity, natural habitats and waste separation, among others,” she said.

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said “The Valletta Green Festival is the first in a series of open-air events the Agency is organising this spring. The festival is being held until Sunday 1st May and clearly shows the agency’s commitment to raising environmental awareness not only by means of its projects and buildings but beyond”.

The theme for this year’s edition is the importance of public spaces, the protection of natural habitats and the effect this has on the flora and fauna of our islands. The festival’s main attraction, the infiorata, was designed by the VCA’s graphic designer Clint Spiteri and is taking place in Pjazza San Ġorġ. This year’s infiorata, made up from some 50,000 plants and herbs, features the design of a frog in a 500 square metre area, highlighting the habitat destruction of the Painted Frog, the only amphibian we have in Malta.

This year’s festival also features the Ruff Mudder canine obstacle adventure, which will be introduced at Laparelli Gardens on 30 April from 10am till 4pm. Further to last year’s initiative, the Valletta Cultural Agency will continue its urban greening contribution and will be leaving behind a 15% legacy introducing several plants and trees in Bull Street and Charles Street, Valletta.