A preliminary investigation into the relationship between rival support for band clubs and violent behaviour : studying the festa period in a Maltese village

Abstract

The purpose of this study has been to investigate the hypothesis which states that "rival support for either one or the other of the two main band clubs in Zurrieq is related to violent behaviour occurring during the festa period in Zurrieq." The study has sought to establish whether a relatedness exists and, if found, what kind of relatedness it is and whether intervening variables are also involved. Zurrieq is a village in Malta, an island in middle of the Mediterranean Sea. In Malta, the celebration of the feast of a saint in a village is called a festa. The two most popular of such feasts in Zurrieq are supported by two respective band clubs. Festa rivalry in connection with different saints or with different band clubs or with both prevail in many villages, including Zurrieq. Zurrieq is one of those villages where violent behaviours have marked many a festa celebration. This is the backdrop for embarking on the investigation of the stated hypothesis. The research involved a pilot study, naturalistic observation, interviews (n=24), and documentation. Employing such varied research techniques - a triangulated (eclectic) approach to research - was done with the aim of attaining data which was as valid and reliable as possible. Nonetheless, methodological problems are highlighted, as well as attempts to attenuate the problems. The results of the study would tend to confirm the hypothesis, but it is also evident that there are intervening variables which must be taken into account. This is because the relatedness between rival support for band clubs and festa period violence, though tenable, is also clouded by other, often complex, factors. After these factors are discussed, it emerges that although rivalry surrounding the two feasts may not always be traceable directly to support for band clubs, the two band clubs could epitomise forces by which factional attitudes may be channelled. Then, festa period violence, such as, though not limited to, that occurring close to where the band clubs are situated, could be a manifestation of extreme elements connected with this rivalry.