The Malta Tourism Authority announced details of this anticipated annual event on Monday morning at Fort St Angelo in Birgu, overlooking the Grand Harbour.

This year’s festival will feature eight pyrotechnic teams competing in the pyro-musical competition,  an increase from six in the previous 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, traditional fireworks and a closing show by the winners of last year’s competition, namely Għaqda Piroteknika 10 ta’ Awwissu, Birgu. Competitive pyro-musical events 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 at the Grand Harbour. Beyond the competition, audiences will once again experience a wide range of traditional Maltese fireworks, including beraq, beraq pront, beraq tal-kulur, beraq bil-logħob, as well as murtali tal-kulur, sfejjer and blalen, showcasing the diversity, craftsmanship and artistry that characterise Malta’s pyrotechnic heritage.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Hon. Ian Borg commended the Malta Tourism Authority for its long-standing commitment to this festival, which remains one of the most popular events in Malta and Gozo’s culture and entertainment calendars. He noted that:

“While the international participation in this festival continues to enhance Malta’s visibility and appeal in key tourism markets, this Festival remains deeply rooted in our local communities, celebrating the skill, dedication and heritage of Maltese pyrotechnics, while offering an exceptional platform to showcase this talent to both local and international fireworks experts and enthusiasts. It also demonstrates tourism’s growing commitment to nurturing authentic travel experiences that preserve our cultural heritage, benefit local communities, and reinforce the industry’s resilience and responsibility.”

Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, said:

“Fireworks form an essential part of the Maltese festa tradition, which is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Malta International Fireworks Festival elevates this tradition into a high-quality cultural tourism experience that attracts diverse audiences from different markets.”