Central Bank and MTA launch silver coin to mark 25 years of fireworks festival
Limited edition silver coin celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Malta International Fireworks Festival and aims to boost off-peak tourism.
The Central Bank of Malta has issued a commemorative silver coin to mark the 25th anniversary of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. The coin, limited to 1,000 pieces, was launched on 20 April in a collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority.
Struck in 0.999 silver, the coin carries a face value of €10 and weighs 31.10 grams. The reverse shows fireworks over the Grand Harbour in colour, while the obverse features the Maltese coat of arms. The reverse was engraved by Pannos Goutzemisis, the obverse by Noel Galea Bason, and the coin was minted at the Royal Dutch Mint.
The festival itself kicked off in Nadur, Gozo, on 18 April and continues in the Grand Harbour on 20 and 25 April, with a grand finale on 30 April. Around 40 local and international fireworks teams are taking part. The event is designed to draw visitors outside the peak summer season.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon Ian Borg, said the coin is a tribute to an event that has illuminated Malta's cultural identity and tourism appeal for 25 years. "It reflects our commitment to enriching and celebrating arts and traditions that continue to attract discerning visitors from around the world," he added.
MTA CEO Carlo Micallef described the coin as encapsulating the essence of the festival. "By celebrating this notable occasion, we are not only honouring a cherished tradition but also strengthening Malta’s appeal as a dynamic tourism destination built on authentic cultural experiences," he said.
Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Rita Schembri, noted that the coin honours "an enduring local tradition that enhances Malta’s tourism offering and its standing as a year-round cultural destination."
The coin also acknowledges Malta's fireworks heritage, which was recognised by UNESCO in 2023 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For the business community, the initiative signals a continued push to extend the tourism season and reinforce Malta's brand as a cultural destination beyond summer.