Throughout this festive month, four major events will take place in the Cottonera area in relation to Christmas. These activities form part of fifty-six events being organised across Malta and Gozo with an investment of more than €700,000. The Cottonera events were announced at a press conference by the Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli, in the presence of the Director General of the Local Government Division, Emile Vassallo, and the mayors of Cospicua, Senglea, Vittoriosa and Kalkara.
The Local Council of Cospicua will hold a week of activities from 22 to 30 December, featuring food stalls with traditional food, sweets and drinks, handicrafts, a band, and even a live crib. These events will take place Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 23:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 23:00.
The Local Council of Senglea will organise a Christmas fair on Saturday 6 December, beginning with the switching-on of the Christmas lights and the singing of Christmas hymns. Later that same day, a Christmas-themed singing spectacle, children's games, and stalls with Maltese food will be held in the main square.
In Vittoriosa, several events will take place, including a number of concerts between 13 and 23 December, held in the Parish Church of St Lawrence and the Church of the Annunciation. Musical groups will be present in the streets throughout these days, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere, including in the "Fuq il-Ħawli" area. A key attraction will be Santa Claus's sleigh travelling through the town's streets with gifts. The annual switching-on of Christmas street lights will also occur, with new designs at the entrance to the city to enhance the festive appearance.
On Sunday 7 December, the Kalkara Local Council will hold another edition of "Trejqet il-Milied". This year the activity will place greater emphasis on live music as well as free children's entertainment and attractions. The programme includes performances by Centrestage choir, Thea Gauci, Ta' Verna Folk Band, Jessica Muscat, and an evening event led by Kevin Borg. The bands of Kalkara will also participate, with the event starting at 16:30 in Archbishop Gonzi Square, Rinella Street, and Sagra Familja Square.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli remarked that the four local councils are working to continue improving the product and potential of the Cottonera towns. She noted that Cottonera is becoming a destination for many people, especially during Christmas.
"Throughout this year we have seen numerous activities held in the various Cottonera localities. It is therefore natural that an extensive programme would be organised for the festive season. These events aim to allow the residents of Cottonera to enjoy the festivities within their own communities, while also attracting more visitors to the area during this period. As a central Government, we will continue to support all Local Councils so that they may organise quality seasonal activities that enhance residents' quality of life, in line with Malta's Vision 2050," she stated.
The Parliamentary Secretary added that Cottonera has long established itself as a destination for Easter festivities and is now working to develop its identity as a Christmas destination as well.
Director General Emile Vassallo stressed that the division will continue supporting Local Councils through various schemes over the coming year, intended to provide financial resources for their work and to allow them to organise activities for their residents.