A community-centered cultural festival in Sliema last Saturday celebrated the town’s old alleyways, or sqaqien in Maltese.
The third edition of the event, organised by the Sliema local council, brought to life these narrow, often-overlooked urban spaces, transforming them into lively cultural corridors filled with music, artistry and local traditions.
The event, held from late afternoon till the evening in Sqaq Sant Elija and Triq San Trofimu, offered a blend of traditional Maltese culture, contemporary entertainment and community spirit.
Highlights included an artisan market, where visitors explored a bustling marketplace featuring local artisans, handmade crafts and traditional Maltese delicacies, traditional children’s games and two live performance stages on the parvis of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Sacro Cuor and next to Sqaq Sant’Elija.
A dedicated area provided a nostalgic experience with old-fashioned Maltese games, bringing timeless joy to children and families alike.
The programme also featured·a live re-enactment of a traditional Maltese wedding by the Ċittadella Folk Group and a joint performance by Sliema’s four band clubs: Banda Stella Maris, Banda Ċittadina Sliema, Banda San Girgor il-Kbir and Banda Madonna tal-Karmnu (Balluta).
Special guests were beloved Makkjettisti duo Jomike and Lydon, singer Frank O’Neil, Ta’ Verna folk ensemble, għana singers Mariele Żammit and Żeppi l-Muni, guitarists Denise and Kalcidon Vella, musical group Kantera, singer Victorio Gauci and the Father’s Angels Children’s Choir.
To enhance the festive ambiance, the streets were decorated with traditional Maltese festa-style banners and pavaljuni.
Sqaqien forms part of a broader initiative by the Sliema local council to revitalise public spaces, promote cultural tourism and foster community pride. By reimagining Sliema’s alleyways as cultural landmarks, the festival encourages both residents and visitors to rediscover the hidden gems of the town.
The project is the brainchild of local councillor David Muscat, who first came up with the idea in 2018. His idea became a reality with the launch of the first edition of Sqaqien in 2022. In his role as head of the cultural portfolio within the council, Muscat was the festival’s main organiser this year.
The event was funded through an additional funding scheme issued by the Local Government Division under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government.