Saints, revelers and offenders : relationships in Festa space-time

Abstract

Social interactionism occurs in space-time where the phenomenon morphs from the thematic activity to the geographical space it occurs in and the spatial relationships between the actors. The Maltese festa posits a ripe scenario for analysis of such interactionism and the inherent effects on safety and security. Whilst the fundamental festa scope banks on the sacred aspect, the activity moved through a village centre to a wider interactive (entire town) secular reality. This study investigates the occurrence of offending during the festa and the shoulder weeks for potential relationships between the spaces relevant to the activity through a study of expected and observed offences. The CRISOLA model serves as the basis for this study in the fields of crime, social issues and landuse and their impact on safety and security within the villages hosting the festa. The festa as a cause of crime by the relevant parties and significant others and its impact on social cohesion and operational requirements serves as a basis for proactive measures to be taken by the religious, secular and enforcement entities.