Street decorations in the Maltese festa : the feast of Saint George in Qormi as a case study

Abstract

The Maltese festa is a major cultural and religious celebration that blends devotion, community participation, and artistic expression. A notable example is the Feast of Saint George in Qormi, celebrated on the last Sunday of June. Central to the event is a solemn procession in which the statue of the saint is carried through the town’s streets, symbolising Catholic devotion in community life. Historical records from 1575 identify Qormi as an active parish, and over time, the town developed a tradition of honouring its patron saint through annual celebrations that have grown in scale and complexity. To coordinate the festa’s external activities, the Kumitat Festi Esterni San Ġorġ Martri Qormi (KFESĠMQ) was established in 1919, assuming responsibility for planning, fundraising, logistics, and volunteer coordination. This dissertation explores the historical development, organisational structure, and strategic operations of the KFESĠMQ, with a focus on street decorations as expressions of cultural identity and artistic heritage. Using a qualitative case study approach, it examines how the committee responds to contemporary challenges, including demographic change, rising costs, urban development, and regulatory demands. While festa committees preserve Malta’s intangible cultural heritage, the future of these celebrations depends on adaptability. This research highlights both the resilience and limitations of the KFESĠMQ, concluding with strategic recommendations aimed at ensuring the feast’s continuity, particularly through the preservation of street decorations.