MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION SETS UP TWO CULTURAL BOARDS

The Minister of Education, Dr Louis Galea, has reconstituted the National Festivities Committee and set up the National Folklore Commission. Both have been appointed for a period of three years. Membership is voluntary and is not entitled to any honoraria.

The National Festivities Committee is chaired by Mr Ignazio Abela, a retired Education Officer. The Committee will democratise national festivities through promoting public participation. Furthermore, it will provide support and assistance to the National Folklore Commission in its ethnographic activities.

The National Folklore Commission replaces the Carnival Commission and is chaired by Mr Joe J Mifsud, Director of the Department of Culture. It shall work to revive traditional festivities that will consolidate Maltese roots, strengthen the Maltese Language and unite the people of Malta through identity and belonging. The Committee will: strive to instill among the Maltese a love for authentic crafts; enhance the popularity of Carnival and other traditional feasts by means of improved quality; conduct research and seek professional/academic advice related to indigenous heritage and activity in Malta.