Festivals Malta Launches the Summer Festivals Events Programme for 2025

Dubai, United Arab of Emirates (09 May 2025)

Details have been announced regarding the festivals that will be organised by Festivals Malta between the months of May and July this year. These include the Ritmu Roots Festival, the Malta International Arts Festival, the Malta Jazz Festival, and Dance Festival Malta.

The Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Dr Owen Bonnici, said, “This coming summer, through Festivals Malta, our country will host four prestigious festivals that strengthen our cultural identity and provide a platform for both local and international artists. The programme announced today not only enriches the summer season with high-level events, but also attracts thousands of people to our country, with direct benefits on both an economic and social level. I congratulate Festivals Malta for their vision and ongoing commitment to keeping culture alive and accessible to all.”

The Chairman of Festivals Malta, Aaron Zahra, said, “Every year, Festivals Malta presents a cultural calendar of the highest level for the summer months. The summer festivals not only offer a spectacle for local audiences during the summer days, but they also continue to strengthen our country’s position as a cultural destination for various visitors who purposely travel here in the summer months. As Festivals Malta, we are committed to continuing to work and produce festivals that strive for artistic excellence, and I am eager to kick off this year’s artistic calendar with the first festival starting this month – Ritmu Roots Festival.”

The CEO of Festivals Malta, Frans Agius, said, “The summer festivals offer an opportunity for Festivals Malta to present different artistic genres through four distinct festivals. In this way, we continue to strengthen our aim to offer a variety of cultural events to reach different audiences and make culture more accessible. I encourage our audiences to attend these events and to enjoy the experiences we have prepared for them.”

Ritmu Roots Festival will open the summer calendar of Festivals Malta with its third edition, taking place between May 21 and 24. The Artistic Director of Ritmu Roots Festival, Andrew Alamango, says that Ritmu is “a platform for the public where communities gather through music and participate in traditional community activities.” This year, the festival will include projects such as Il-Kummittiva, Għana (traditional Maltese music), boċċi (bowls),and international artists such as Tarta Relena, Pliri Ntaxei, and Vincent Moon.

The Malta International Arts Festival will return between June 13 and 22 with ten days of multidisciplinary events including dance, music, theatre, and visual art exhibitions. Notable projects in this year’s programme include a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Underground Valletta, M.A.D. – Music and Dance, Music Painted by Caravaggio, and Boċċi the Musical in collaboration with Teatru Malta. “The Malta International Arts Festival delivers a dynamic and contemporary programme staged in remarkable heritage sites, making Malta’s rich cultural legacy an essential element of each event and ensuring a truly distinctive festival experience,” concluded Artistic Director Ruben Zahra.

The Malta Jazz Festival will include an eclectic programme of events with a celebrated line-up including artists such as Michael Mayo, Rebecca Martin, Peter Bernstein, Knower, and many more. Artistic Director Sandro Zerafa explains, “With a lineup ranging from the swinging sounds of NY jazz icon Peter Bernstein to the explosive duo from LA, Knower to the folk-infused sounds of Rebecca Martin, the Malta Jazz Festival, now in its 35th year, keeps its promise of allying eclecticism, integrity and excellence.” This festival will be held between July 7 and 12.

Dance Festival Malta, taking place between July 24 and 27, will connect local artists with various European artists by offering them a platform to discuss, share, and enhance their artistic work through masterclasses and specialised workshops. Additionally, the festival offers four days of dance performances that convey diverse messages through beautiful choreographies. “Dance Festival Malta is a vibrant meeting point of cultures, generations, and voices—where the power of movement celebrates difference, provokes dialogue, and connects us through shared humanity,” explained Artistic Director Francesca Tranter.

For more information about the summer festivals by Festivals Malta, visit www.festivals.mt.