BirguFest cancelled over main square works

BirguFest, one of Malta’s most beloved festivals, has been cancelled this year due to safety concerns stemming from ongoing works in the town’s main square.

The festival, known for its stunning display of tens of thousands of candles illuminating the city’s narrow streets, typically draws over 60,000 visitors annually.

However, Città Vittoriosa’s main square, which serves as a hub for concerts and food trucks during the event, is currently undergoing a two-year renovation project that started last year.

The cancellation of the event, originally scheduled for 11th and 12th October, was announced via the BirguFest social channel.

The local council said that the decision was made during a meeting specifically held to address the issue, following professional advice on health and safety concerns related to the Birgu Main Square project.

“The health and safety of both the residents and the public attending was the main priority in this decision. At the same time, the local council is avoiding creating more inconvenience that affect the works,” the council concluded, while announcing the dates for the next BirguFest, which will be on 10th and 11th October 2025.

In the comment section of the social media post, many lamented and proposed for the festival to be put up in the outskirts of the town in collaboration with its neighbours, Bormla and Isla.

Some tourists also commented to express their disappointment: “booked five nights in Birgu and flights from the UK specifically to take in this festival and it’s cancelled four weeks before the event”, one wrote.