Region of Culture - Gozo 2025
Throughout 2025, Gozo has been selected as the Region of Culture, an annual regional celebration of local culture and identity by the Local Government Division. Under the artistic vision of Artistic Director Elyse Tonna, supported by Executive Secretary Rita Mifsud Attard, and Cultural Manager Naomi Galea, the programme seeks to uncover hidden or overlooked stories and reinforce local communities through a series of small-scale, impactful events.
The artistic concept entitled Common Ground emphasises Gozo’s unique identity, which is not only defined by its shared land but also by its aim to foster unity, inclusivity, and shared experiences. Rather than focusing on macro events, it presents a year-long invitation to look closer, offering platforms for collaboration, fostering dialogue and empowering local voices.
The Gozo Region of Culture 2025 will celebrate the island’s cultural identity through a multidisciplinary programme that merges traditional and contemporary practices across dance, music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, literature, architecture and gastronomy. Central to this vision is the empowerment of emerging talent, fostering collaboration between local councils, creative practitioners, businesses and grassroots organisations, and crafting inclusive cultural experiences that resonate with both local and international audiences.
Upcoming Events
Region of Culture 2025 - Programme Launch
Instead of one central celebration, the Artistic Director and team have worked with every Local Council to develop initiatives taking place across various localities, forming a collective celebration over a weekend that brings different spaces and communities to life. This approach serves as both an invitation to the public and a reflection of the programme’s ethos. Each event highlights a meaningful aspect of its locality, showcasing distinctive places, traditions and art forms. By focusing on small-scale yet impactful interventions, the launch reinforces the commitment to innovation, collaboration and community engagement.
Building on existing connections between cultural stakeholders while establishing new partnerships to broaden Gozo’s cultural network, the programme will also strengthen and elevate current cultural initiatives to align with the region’s evolving artistic and strategic objectives.
Munxar: Honouring Ġużè Aquilina
Munxar, a village in Gozo, is the birthplace of Ġużè Aquilina (1911–1997), a distinguished Maltese linguist and author. Appointed in 1937 as the first Professor of Maltese and Oriental Languages at the University of Malta, Aquilina significantly contributed to the study and strengthening of the Maltese language. This event pays tribute to Aquilina’s legacy, bringing together residents to share personal stories and experiences, reflecting on the village’s journey and the communal spirit that defines Munxar today.
Event in collaboration with the Munxar Local Council
Qala: Tracing Beginnings
Qala, with its deep-rooted traditions, is closely linked to the legend of San Kerrew, a mysterious figure believed to have shaped the village’s early identity. This conversation explores the connections between myth and history, focusing on the Santwarju tal-Kunċizzjoni—one of Gozo’s oldest places of worship. A reflection on how faith, folklore and community intertwine to shape beginnings.
Event in collaboration with the Qala Local Council
Xewkija: Sculpting Imagination
Xewkija, home to Gozo’s Sculpture Museum, invites children aged 10-12 to engage with art in a hands-on way. This event, led by artist and art educator Mario Cassar, encourages them to create reactionary works inspired by the sculptures they encounter. Through their creative responses, the children will connect with the art, contributing to the ongoing legacy of artistic expression and the evolving relationship between the past and present.
Event in collaboration with the Xewkija Local Council and the Xewkija Parish
Għasri: Narrating the Past
Għasri, Gozo’s smallest village, is closely tied to Patroċinju, a place of deep-rooted devotion overlooking the quiet valley of Wied il-Għasri. Through poetry and local narratives, this event explores the village’s early days, reflecting on its people, landscapes and traditions that continue to shape its identity.
Event in collaboration with the Għarsi Local Council
Saturday 1st February 2025
16:00
Basilica of the Patronage of Our Lady - Wied il-Għasri - Google Map
Għarb: A Hidden Heritage
Għarb, meaning “west” in Arabic, is the westernmost village in Gozo, steeped in history and tradition. This event highlights the lesser-known aspects of the village, from its unique cultural traits to its local personalities, revealing a beauty that often goes unnoticed. Through these stories, explore how the village’s past—shaped by its location and people—continues to influence the character and spirit of Għarb today.
Event in collaboration with the Għarb Local Council
Nadur: A Prelude to Carnival
Nadur, with its deep-rooted Carnival traditions, revives the rich spirit of the past through a showcase of folk music and għana. This event recreates the dynamic atmosphere of traditional celebrations, where storytelling and song once brought the community together. As these cherished traditions face a gradual decline, this initiative seeks to honour and preserve their legacy.
Event in Collaboration with the Nadur Local Council
Għajnsielem: Beyond the Lens
Għajnsielem, a place shaped by its people and traditions, holds stories that echo through time. This photographic exhibition explores the village’s past through captured moments—fragments of everyday life, change and continuity. A reflection on beginnings and the threads that connect past and present.
Event in collaboration with the Għajnsielem Local Council
Sunday 2nd February 2025
10:00 - 16:00
Marine Interpretation Centre, Għajnsielem Branch Library, Għajnsielem - Google Maps
Kerċem: Waterways of the Past
Kerċem, a village shaped by its connection to water, is home to Għar Ilma—an ancient source that played a vital role in Gozo’s history. This guided tour uncovers the hidden network of British-built canals that once transported water from the hillside to the iconic aqueduct, a legacy of the Knights of St John. From the cave at Għar Ilma to the underground passages, this experience offers a unique glimpse into the island’s ingenious water management and its enduring influence on local life.
Two tours of 15 people – pre-booking required.
Event in collaboration with the Kercem Local Council
Sunday 2nd February 2025
Tours starting at 10:00 and 11:00
Għar Ilma, Kerċem
Registration required
Ta' Sannat: Stories of Pjazza tax-Xelina
Ta’ Sannat, a village known for its deep-rooted traditions, holds a wealth of history centered around Pjazza tax-Xelina. This event revisits key moments that have shaped the community, from the tragic events of World War II to the arrival of electricity and Rediffusion. It also commemorates the iconic visit of Queen Elizabeth II, then a princess, to the local lace-makers at Dar ta’ Xelina. Through narratives and shared memories, the event offers a glimpse into Sannat’s evolving identity and its enduring connection to the square at the heart of village life.
Event in collaboration with the Ta’ Sannat Local Council
Xagħra: Foundations of a Community
Xagħra, known for its rich history and the Ġgantija Temples, also has deep roots in the story of Gozo’s religious and cultural development. This event, featuring the Xagħra Historical Reenactment Organisation, offers insight into the foundations of the Xagħra Parish. Through reenactments and storytelling, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the village’s transformation, from its ancient beginnings to the shaping of its modern identity. This event reflects the ongoing connection between Xagħra’s past and its vibrant present.
Event in collaboration with the Xagħra Local Council
Żebbuġ: The Tradition of Għażżiela
Żebbuġ celebrates the enduring tradition of the għażżiela, an oven-baked dough marked with the initials of Our Lady, believed to offer protection against thunderstorms. This event will feature a live demonstration of the traditional preparation process, accompanied by an informative speech that delves into its historical and spiritual significance. A background video will further explore the origins and evolution of this unique custom, ensuring its legacy continues to resonate within the community.
Event in collaboration with the Żebbuġ Local Council
San Lawrenz: Uncovering its Punic Past
San Lawrenz, a village shaped by its connection to the surrounding landscape, is home to a recently uncovered Punic site in Triq it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra. This archaeological discovery offers a rare glimpse into the village’s early history, highlighting its enduring relationship with the land and sea. A site-specific experience will offer visitors an opportunity to reflect on the quiet presence of the past within the present, exploring how such traces continue to shape the identity of San Lawrenz.
Event in collaboration with the San Lawrenz Local Council
Sunday 2nd February 2025
14:30-15:30
Punic Site, Triq it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra, San Lawrenz - Google Maps
Fontana: Life at the Washhouse
Fontana, named after its natural springs, is home to Għajn tal-Ħasselin, a historic washhouse that has long served as a focal point for the community. Built in the 16th century over natural springs, this structure provided a sheltered space where locals would gather to wash clothes and share daily life. More than a practical necessity, it became a social hub, fostering a strong sense of community among Fontana’s residents. This event, led by a local expert, explores the enduring significance of Għajn tal-Ħasselin and highlights the importance of preserving such sites that once played an essential role in village life.
Event in collaboration with the Fontana Local Council
Collaborators
