The annual, single-day Festalingwi celebration, dedicated to championing language in all its diverse forms, is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. The festivities are set to commence at 11:00 AM sharp at the University of Malta campus located in Valletta. This significant event serves as a local echo of the European Day of Languages, powerfully underscoring the continent's rich cultural and linguistic heritage. The organization of Festalingwi is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the European Commission Language Office in Malta, working alongside the University of Malta. Crucially, the event involves the participation of approximately 20 distinct organizations dedicated to linguistics.
The festival’s program has been meticulously designed to offer engaging activities suitable for attendees across the entire age spectrum. The range of events is extensive, spanning from specialized reading sessions tailored for the youngest participants—infants and toddlers—to sophisticated discussions centered on interpreting inscriptions found on ancient gravestones. This comprehensive scope emphasizes that language remains a dynamic, evolving system, valuable at every stage of the human journey. A major highlight of the schedule is the multicultural musical performance titled “Skont id-Daqqa Niżfnu,” featuring the talents of Mariel Zammit, Justin Galea, and Albert Garzia.
Furthermore, attendees can look forward to a rapid-fire presentation by Sean Briffa, entitled “24 Languages in 24 Minutes,” which offers a condensed perspective on global linguistic diversity. The primary mission of Festalingwi is the active promotion of multilingualism, encouraging visitors not only to acquire proficiency in foreign languages but also to diligently nurture their native tongues. A special emphasis is placed on the Maltese language: interactive games have been organized to deepen understanding, including Lingo Bingo, Kwiżżikk, and Żanżan Kelma. Additionally, a specific workshop is planned to provide essential support for parents raising children within a multilingual household.
Throughout the day, visitors will have ample opportunity to interact directly with various linguistic stands representing numerous languages and organizations. Among the unique offerings are practical chances to experience the role of an oral interpreter by stepping into a specialized booth. Guests can also take introductory lessons in Maltese Sign Language. These hands-on activities are designed to make linguistic exploration accessible and fun, offering a tangible connection to the practical applications of language studies.
The festival will draw to a close with the concert “Ħoss il-Malti,” a celebration that honors the Maltese language through the medium of music. This highly anticipated closing performance is set to feature the renowned band Brikkuni as the headliner for this year’s Festalingwi event.