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Festalingwi: a one-day feast filled with storytelling, talks and music
On Sunday 19 October 2025, returned for its third edition, bringing the general public a one-day feast filled with storytelling, talks and music too.
Organised by the European Commission's Language Office in Malta, in partnership with the University of Malta, and with the support of the , and having taken place at the picturesque Valletta Campus of the University of Malta, Festalingwi had something for everyone.
The day featured story sessions for babies and young children, talks on topics ranging from interpretation to inscriptions on tombstones, and interactive workshops that celebrated language from multiple perspectives.
Young audiences enjoyed lively and educational sessions such as Skont id-Daqqa, Ni偶fnu, a multilingual musical adventure by Mariele Zammit, Justin Galea, and Albert Garzia; 24 Languages in 24 Minutes by Sean Briffa; and reading sessions presented by the National Literacy Agency.
These activities highlighted how language learning can be joyful, creative, and inclusive.
Other successful events were the sign language classes, given by the students in the new Diploma in Applied Linguistics for Maltese Sign Language (LSM), the Maltese as a Foreign Language workshop Fina l-摩ob偶, and Lingo Bingo, organised by Blue Door education, which added languages such as Hungarian, Polish, Greek, Arabic, and even M膩ori to the mix.
Events such as 碍飞颈偶偶颈办办 and 呕an偶an Kelma inspired a renewed appreciation for the Maltese language.
A special area of the festival featured booths and stands from language-related institutions and cultural organisations. Visitors had the opportunity to observe interpreters working inside an interpretation booth and to learn basic signs in Maltese Sign Language, with the support of members of Malta’s signing community.
The day concluded with 摩oss il-Malti (“The Sound of Maltese”), a concert held at the Valletta Campus Theatre. The evening celebrated the beauty and expressive power of the Maltese language through music.
The headline act, Brikkuni, captivated the audience with their distinctive sound; which has paved the way for a new generation of Maltese-language artists. Singer-songwriter Cher Camilleri and her band opened the concert, setting the tone for a night filled with authentic Maltese expression.
Festalingwi formed part of the , the annual celebration of Europe’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, which marked its 25th edition this year.
Around 20 language-related entities took part, including university departments, EU institutions, embassies, cultural institutes, NGOs, government bodies, and student associations.
Festalingwi also played host to the final of 呕an偶an Kelma, organised by the UM’s very own G魔aqda tal-Malti, which this year had a record number of participants.
The event once again demonstrated Malta’s vibrant relationship with language: a celebration not only of communication but of identity, creativity, and community.
A big well done to everyone who helped make this event a success, especially the many UM staff and students who volunteered their time!
