30 September 2025 – On Tuesday evening, Malta marked its National Day with a vibrant celebration at the picturesque Pavillon Joséphine in Strasbourg’s Parc de l’Orangerie. Hosted by Malta’s Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe, the event formed part of the cultural programme of Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, highlighting the island nation’s rich cultural heritage.
This year’s celebration held particular resonance. Malta commemorated both the 61st anniversary of Independence and 60 years of membership in the Council of Europe, two milestones that coincided with Malta’s Presidency that is ongoing until mid-November. Over 500 distinguished guests from the international diplomatic community and parliaments across Europe attended the event, bearing witness to a night that elegantly blended culture, tradition, and national pride.
The evening celebrated the theme “A Taste of Festa”, spotlighting Malta’s UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage. Malta’s Symphonic Band delighted attendees with the spirited music of the village festas, capturing the heart of Maltese communal life. A visual exhibition by Maltese artist Charlie Cauchi complemented the performance with a visual exhibition that immersed guests in the rhythm, devotion, and traditions of the festa, showcasing its splendour and the craftsmanship that sustains it. At the same time, artisans displayed centuries-old ‘bizzilla’, including a delicately hand-crafted wedding dress that symbolised the craft’s enduring legacy.
Chefs from Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) curated a seasonal menu that guided guests through a culinary journey of Maltese cuisine, reflecting the change in seasons, from ‘qagħaq tal-għasel’ to fresh summer seafood dishes and iconic ‘pastizzi’.
The event began with welcome remarks by H.E. Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe. This was followed by addresses from H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of the Republic of Malta; Hon. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; and Mr. Theodoros Roussopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Hon. Clifton Grima, Minister for Sport, Education, Youth, Research and Innovation, all members of the Maltese delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Malta’s Judge to the European Court of Human Rights, Madame Justice Lorraine Schembri Orland, Malta’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Pierre Clive Agius, and Malta’s Honorary Consul, Mr Eric Mayer Schaller were also in attendance.
Through music, art, cuisine, and craftsmanship, the evening celebrated the vitality of Maltese traditions, conveying to Europe the warmth, richness, and enduring spirit of Malta.