Two in Three Visited Valletta at Christmas time, 80% of Businesses Report Stable or Increased Income
The Valletta Cultural Agency has unveiled its Cultural Programme for 2026, setting the stage for another dynamic year in the capital.
The launch comes alongside results of a new survey conducted by Prof. Vincent Marmara, revealing Valletta’s growing appeal, with two out of three respondents visiting Valletta at Christmas time. Over 66% of respondents confirmed they visited the city in December with more than half visiting twice or three times.
Meanwhile, 80% of Valletta businesses reported increased or stable income over the year before.
The absolute majority of businesses stated that the Valletta Cultural Agency’s Christmas in the Capital programme helped their business. This comes as a strong vote of confidence in the Valletta Cultural Agency’s year-round programme promoting cultural vibrancy.
A presentation of the survey results was delivered during a press conference held earlier today at the Chamber of Commerce in Valletta.
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated: “This €4.5 million investment in the 2026 Cultural Programme reaffirms our commitment to a vibrant and dynamic Valletta. The survey results clearly show that these cultural initiatives are bearing fruit, by increasing public participation and by strengthening businesses in the capital. We will continue working to ensure that Valletta remains a lively, accessible cultural centre for all.”
Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef remarked, “The survey results clearly show that Valletta continues to resonate strongly with the public, with more than 66% visiting the capital last December alone. This success reflects the growing trust in the Valletta Cultural Agency’s cultural vision and reinforces our commitment to investing in a programme that keeps Valletta vibrant, relevant and alive all year round.”
Valletta Cultural Agency CEO Catherine Tabone said, “Cultural connection is not just our ethos but our driving force. The Valletta Cultural Agency delivers on its promises by bringing people together through culture. This year’s programme honours tradition while boldly embracing innovation through large-scale spectacles that reimagine the experience of the capital”.
The programme opens with the Valletta Cultural Agency’s participation in the second edition of the Malta Biennale 26, between 11 March and 29 May, by means of light installations in Republic Street and Melita Street. The programme continues to build momentum during Holy Week, when St George’s Square will host a striking traditional installation featuring hundreds of fire bowls, creating a powerful and contemplative atmosphere in the heart of Valletta.
From 30 April to 10 May, the 12th edition of the Valletta Green Festival transforms St George’s Square and other iconic areas with artistic floral installations. Among this year’s new productions is the concert L-Aqwa 20 tal-Maltin, a tribute to some of the greatest Maltese songs in the island’s musical history.
On 27 June, Opera in the Capital returns as one of the programme’s flagship projects, followed by the Valletta Local Food Festival taking place in St George’s Square, Valletta, from 3 until 5 July.
The much-anticipated Valletta Pageant of the Seas – a Grand Harbour spectacle set against one of the city’s most iconic backdrops, takes place on the 24 July,
As the year draws to a close, the cultural calendar intensifies. From 25 November to 31 December, Christmas in the Capital will once again bring festive cheer to the city, culminating in the National New Year’s Eve celebrations. Meanwhile, from 4 December through to 10 January, the Agency presents Between Two Points, an exhibition showcasing around 30 mixed-media works by Paul Camilleri, offering a compelling artistic highlight to close the year and welcome the next.
Meanwhile, the Valletta Design Cluster continues to bridge art and design, inviting budding designers, students, and industry professionals to participate in a series of workshops, courses, community activities, and more. At the heart of this programme are Eco-Market joins Tinkering Day, The Art of Making series and sessions led by studio members, among other events.
For more information about the Valletta Cultural Agency and its Cultural Programme, visit vca.gov.mt/mt/events and the Agency’s Facebook page.
