Ħolqa Festival, an annual multi-disciplinary arts event organised and hosted by the Department of Creative Arts and Design at Ġan Frangisk Abela Junior College, is being held again for its 8th edition from 24 to 28 March 2025.

This year's theme is 'The Year of the Arlecchino', why? Way back in 1545 on the 25th of February in Italy, a little company focusing mostly on the art of Commedia dell’ Arte signed the first ever contract as a fully professional performing arts company. This year, 2025, is going to be dedicated to all those performing artists, visual artists and lovers of the arts. We thus celebrate 'The year of the Harlequin’ the jester of the arts, the fool who has been the face of Commedia, this highly professional art for years and years. This is a celebration of the artist who dedicates his/her free time for the art that they hold so dear to their hearts. To those who work tirelessly into the early hours of the day to produce meritable work, and also to those who would prefer to shelve their work. For the passionate, well spoken, shy, and slightly deranged hard working artists that dream of becoming a recognised soul, built on passion and personal work. Therefore, all you Harlequins of the artistic world are being invited to celebrate, participate and pledge a memory to this year's festival of Ħolqa as together we spark the flame that will turn every creative into an artist.

Ħolqa is an opportunity for students aged 16 to 19 to come together as an artistic community in a collaborative and creative environment. The festival holds a supportive educational space for students to give exposure to their art, to hone their artistic skills, to share and discuss them with fellow creatives, and to get a taste of what it feels like to work in the ‘industry’.

This year’s edition of the festival once again boasts a range of theatre, dance and music performances, the presence of installation, fine and digital art pieces, as well as a dose of literature through an exciting open-mic session. It also offers a selection of workshops, exposing students to fresh creative approaches from established practitioners themselves.

Featuring students from different countries showcasing their artistic work, the festival is also a celebration of diversity and multicultural encounters, a platform for contemporary themes to be addressed, and a reminder that there is beauty in coming together.

Ħolqa Festival is open to all students and to the general public interested in the performing, visual and literary arts. Members of the general public who would like to attend need to book by sending an email to principal.jc@um.edu.mt.

This festival is made possible thanks to the financial support of our main sponsors APS Bank Malta and Arts Council Malta. Special thanks also go to our supporting sponsors Teatru Manoel, Space for Clay, Buzzer and VGB.