REGIONAL MOSAIC
Regional Mosaic is a year-long series of initiatives forming a central part of the 2026 Port Region of Culture programme. The project aims to engage residents through a co-created programme of activities developed in collaboration with the Port Regional Council and the Port Region’s 11 Local Councils, ensuring broad community participation. It also seeks to strengthen local artistic production and quality by providing support in artistic direction, funding, and coordination.
The Region of Culture 2026 programme is funded by the Port Regional Council, the Local Government Division and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government.
ARTI n-NISA
Fgura Friday March 13th
The first edition of Regional Mosaic was held in Fgura on March 13th at Fgura Primary School to mark International Women’s Day.
Building on the Fgura Local Council’s annual initiative recognising women’s contributions to voluntary organisations and community life, the event expanded to include an artistic programme and a regional focus celebrating the artistic and civic contributions of women across the Port Region. The Port Regional Council thanks Mayor Clayton Cascun Portelli, Councillor for Women Josianne Scicluna, and the Fgura Local Council for their collaboration and support. The Port Regional Council likewise acknowledges the important role of women in local politics, and we were pleased to be joined by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and Shadow Minister for Youth and Local Government Bernice Bonello.
Appreciation is extended to the artists who brough the program to life – namely, the Clarinet Quintet led by Jessica Ellul, the author Rita Saliba, Curmi Dancers, actress Moira Muscat — who performed a script by Claire Azzopardi for “Her Say” — and singer Ina Robinich for their contributions to the evening. A special thanks also goes out to the illustrator Michelle Gruppetta whose poster and artistic design served as the backdrop of the evening.
The volunteers honoured during the award ceremony were Connie Agius, Dr Marica Gatt, Ruth Farrugia, Sister Maria Grazia D’Angelo, Erica Schembri, Gail Mizzi, Marisa Pisani Abdilla, Diane Mazzonello, Bernardette Borda, Donna Pace, Marisa Bonello, Sarah Craig, Gianella Mifsud, Joyce Muscat, and Amy Zammit.
Documentary feature: Edited by Alan Paul Mizzi with voiceover by Celaine Buhagiar.
Taħt il-Loġoġ
Floriana Sunday April 12th
The second Regional Mosaic event was held in Floriana on 12 April. Building on the Local Council’s ambition to host an artisanal market beneath the locality’s iconic archways, the Port Regional Council, in collaboration with the Local Council and the Malta Crafts Foundation, piloted the concept through a large-scale market featuring 50 artisan stalls.
Alongside the market, the day’s programme included outdoor children’s art classes and live performances by The Vilhena Brass Band, SKALD, Il-Gazin Jazz Quartet, and Swing Island Malta.
The event also incorporated elements of the Nexus programme, presenting Sounding the Harbour, an interactive music workshop led by AISO Academy supported by Arts Council Malta. In addition, the 2025 Integrarti programme was represented through Pinoy outdoor street food, a collaboration with No Barriers Malta, as well as henna painting sessions delivered by Infinity India Malta.
The Port Regional Council expressed its gratitude to all participating artists, Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland, Councillor responsible for events Godwin Azzopardi, and the Malta Crafts Foundation. The pedestrianised takeover transformed St Anne’s Street into a lively cultural space, showcasing artisan crafts, music, and artistic performances throughout the day. The initiative highlighted the locality’s architectural heritage and traditions, including marching bands, while offering interactive experiences for residents, visitors, and tourists of all ages.
Photography by Elisa Von Brockdorff
Poster by Ed Dingli
The Barracks Fusion Concert
Bormla Saturday May 2nd
The Regional Mosaic event in Bormla was a celebration of local culture, bringing together music, rhythm, and community in a memorable evening at the Verdala Barracks.
The Barracks Fusion Concert was headlined by internationally acclaimed DJ Tenishia (Joven Grech), who returned to his hometown and roots in this community for a special homecoming performance, appearing alongside an orchestra conducted by Maestro Etienne Spiteri. The production blended electronic music with orchestral arrangements, showcasing local talent and creating a unique atmospheric experience. Featured vocalists included Glenn Vella, Nicole Frendo, and Victoria Sciberras who were supported by over 30 musicians within the orchestra. We would lole to thank them for their dedication, artistry, and contribution in bringing depth and richness to the performance.
This marked the first event of its kind for residents in the area. Appreciation is extended to Bormla Mayor Marco Agius and Executive Secretary Crystal Degabriele for their support, guidance, and commitment in making the event a success. Our gratitude also goes to Ċentru 19 ta’ Novembru and Soċjetà Filarmonika San Ġorġ for providing catering for the evening.
Ħġejjeġ
L-Isla – Saturday 27th June
Ħġejjeġ is a contemporary reinterpretation of a tradition that dates back to the rule of the Knights of St John. Bonfires were historically lit across the Grand Harbour each year, gradually evolving into a shared local custom among harbour communities. These fires were also part of life in Isla, then known as Senglea.
The event presents a journey through eight musical genres, each paired with musicians stationed at a bonfire, symbolically representing the eight languages of the Order of St John. The programme also includes a musical workshop and a food workshop. The evening concludes with a short feature documentary shown on the roof of historic Forti San Mikiel, beneath the watchtower, exploring the area’s history and transformation.
Participants will be able to explore the locality on foot or via a guided train experience tracing Isla’s evolution from a forested hunting ground to a fortified settlement shaped by the Knights. The night culminates in the lighting of the final and largest bonfire, reviving the communal spirit of Ħġejjeġ through music, light, and storytelling.
Click here for the Interactive Map
Co-organised with the Isla Local Council, this event offers a unique celebration of heritage expressed through contemporary artistic practice.
INDAWRU FILM
Xgħajra – 4, 5 and 6th August
Xgħajra Film Nights is a three-day free, open-air cinema experience taking place on 4th, 5th, and 6th August at the Greek Theatre in Xgħajra.
The event presents a local film showcase that brings cinema into the heart of the community, connecting this emerging cultural venue with the contemporary art form of film. By activating the open-air Greek Theatre, the programme strengthens the link between place, storytelling, and audience experience. Cinema and film also resonate strongly with the identity of the area, reflecting the coastline’s growing cultural presence and its potential to be recognised on a wider national scale.
Co-created with the Xgħajra Local Council and curated by Francesca Zammit, INDAWRU FILM celebrates community, landscape, and the shared experience of storytelling under the open sky.
Visit our Events for more details.
Għalik, it-tieni jien
Il-Kalkara – 11th October
Għalik, it-tieni jien is a family-focused cultural event celebrating traditional Maltese games and childhood heritage in Il-Kalkara on 11th October, from 10:00 to 13:00.
The programme invites children and families to rediscover and engage with historic local games, encouraging play, creativity, and intergenerational connection through shared outdoor activities. The event aims to revive simple, community-based forms of entertainment that have been passed down through generations, strengthening cultural memory in an accessible and interactive way.
Co-created with the Kalkara Local Council, this initiative offers a morning of learning through play, bringing together heritage, community, and family engagement in a lively and inclusive setting.
Visit our Events for more details.
