Ħolqa Festival, an annual multidisciplinary 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 9th edition from 23 to 26 March 2026. This International Youth Arts Festival comprises various genres in the performing and visual art spheres, namely theatre, music, dance, visual and digital arts, with room for creative writing and poetry enthusiasts.

This year's theme is 'Shakespeare It Up!', why? 410 years ago, the world bid farewell to the great bard himself, William Shakespeare. In celebration of his enduring legacy, cultural impact, and timeless works, this year’s theme is inspired by Shakespeare! Let his words, characters, or spirit guide your creative process ... lt is an open invitation to interpret, reinvent, or respond to Shakespeare in any way that sparks your imagination! 

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.

The festival programme and the workshop catalogue will be available here in due course.