Malta
participates in the 21st edition of the European Festival in Algiers
On 27
June 2021, the Consulate of Malta in Algiers participated for the first time in
the 21st edition of the European Festival at the National Theatre of Algiers.
The festival, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Algeria,
traditionally brings together musical talents from Europe to perform in
Algeria. In this year’s edition given the present travel restrictions, European
Union member states assigned amongst themselves Algerian artists who will play part of their
repertoire and a song from the country which they are to represent.
On
this occasion the Consulate of Malta was assigned the IWAL an energetic and talented
band which sings music inspired by the native Amazigh populations from the east
of Algeria. Together with music from their repertoire, IWAL also performed the
song “Lament” by Frans Baldacchino known as ‘il-Budaj’ with the kind and
professional assistance of Mr Andrew Alamango.
The
Maltese participation was also enhanced by the participation of singer Mr
Fayçal Belattar. He gave a short monologue on Malta’s history and culture and
recited Pietro Caxaro’s ‘Cantilena’ – the oldest written poem in Maltese –
whilst playing the Kora,
a traditional west African
string instrument.
At the beginning of the
event, the Consul Mr. Ivan Vassallo gave a short speech where he showed
appreciation to the Delegation of the European Union for this cultural
initiative. He also thanked the artists and stressed how Malta strives to
enhance cooperation and fraternity between the peoples of the Mediterranean by also being a cultural bridge
between Europe and North Africa.