By Albert Fenech 
Between 18 and 30 April, the 25th anniversary edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will bring together around 40 fireworks teams to once again light up the skies over the Valletta Grand Harbour and Nadur in Gozo, celebrating one of Malta’s most loved cultural traditions whilst continuing to attract tourists outside of the summer months.
The Malta Tourism Authority announced details of this anticipated annual event recently.
This year’s festival will feature eight pyrotechnic teams competing in the pyro-musical competition, an increase from six last year. Four of the competitors are Maltese, while the other four will travel to the Maltese Islands from overseas, including participants from countries that have never previously taken part in this festival.
Notably, the 25th anniversary edition will include a Canadian pyrotechnic company, marking participation from outside Europe and reinforcing the festival’s relevance within key long-haul tourism markets.
In total, around 40 fireworks factories and affiliated societies will participate throughout the festival, highlighting the depth of local talent and artistry. Band clubs will also take part across the various dates, bringing the Maltese festa atmosphere to life through music and traditional celebrations.
The festival programme will open on the 1 of April in Nadur, Gozo, featuring non competitive pyro-musical displays and traditional fireworks and the highlight will then take place in Valletta on the 20 and 25 April, with four competitors performing on each night, accompanied by non-competitive pyro-musical, traditional displays as well as band club participation.
The festival will end on 30 April with a grand finale over the Grand Harbour. Beyond the competition, audiences will once again experience a wide range of traditional Maltese fireworks, showcasing the diversity, craftsmanship and artistry that characterise Malta’s pyrotechnic heritage.
Historically, Malta, through the Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta, was the first country in Europe to authorize the launching of fireworks from drones.
This was showcased locally during the closing of the International Fireworks Festival in the Grand Harbour last year, during which the pyrotechnic display featured the participation of 550 drones.
“Pyroemotions”, the pyrotechnics company responsible for organising this type of show in Europe, is registered in Malta and in recent months delivered similar shows in Aosta, Italy, Burgio in Sicily and others.
The Transport Authority thanked the Malta Police authorities, the Civil Protection Department, the Malta Pyrotechnics Association and all other entities involved for their full collaboration in making it possible for this drone show to take place in the country.
The Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta, as a full member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, has been collaborating with the Agency to introduce new concepts – first for drone swarms and now for drone swarms equipped with pyrotechnics.
Carlo Micallef who Executive Heads the Malta Tourism Authority said it is known that a number of tourists have booked to attend the display which heralds Malta and Gozo throughout the world.
Stanley Azzopardi from the Għaqda Piroteknika Maltija, stated the festival has mondial status and is part of the world’s pyrotechnic diary and will be enjoyed over the Grand Harbour and Nadur in Gozo.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Ian Borg said this is an exceptional platform which shows exceptional professional expertise in pyrotechnics and will be enjoyed by the public and tourists.
