Festa/Karnival : young people’s attitudes and participation in the traditional marċ ta’ filgħodu

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation was to explore the attitudes of young people with regards to the traditional Maltese ‘festa’ with particular focus on the ‘marċi ta’ filgħodu.’ It is a common perception that the Maltese ‘festa’’s popularity is on the decline, and unless young people actively participate, this perception will become a reality. This study also aims specifically at unveiling whether the ‘festa’, due to related excessiveness and subversive behaviour is being turned into a carnivalesque manifestation. A qualitative inquiry was used in this study, comprising six semi-structured interviews with six partiipants over 18 years of age, all of whom were purposefully selected. The researcher opted for a thematic analysis to be able to better investigate and comprehend young people’s attitudes and participation in the ‘marċi ta’ filgħodu’. This analysis also elicited other themes which are discussed in detail in this dissertation. Indications resulting from this study show that many consider the ‘festa’ as still relevant even at this day and age, mostly because they feel that it is a tradition which needs to be kept alive, and young people are still involved in the ‘festa’ per se, although not so much when it comes to year round volunteering. Results also show worrying trends like alcohol consumption by minors and substance use during feasts in spite of the fact that police officers are always present. The findings also hinted that law enforcement officers close an eye most of the time as long as there is no trouble in the form of fighting or brawls during feasts and band marches.