Politics in Plain Sight: The Unmissable ‘Of Course This is Political’ Festival

Imagine strolling down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling thoroughfare, on a sunny afternoon. You’re surrounded by the usual humdrum of tourists and locals alike, but something’s different. The air is filled with a buzz of conversation, not just about the latest gossip or the weather, but about politics. Welcome to the ‘Of Course This is Political’ festival, a unique event that’s turning Malta’s capital into a living, breathing political debate.

Politics on the Streets

The festival, now in its third year, is a brainchild of the Malta Labour Party (MLP) and the Partit Demokratiku (PD). It’s a novel approach to political engagement, transforming the heart of Valletta into an open-air forum where everyone’s invited to join the conversation. From the Grandmaster’s Palace to the Triton Fountain, political booths and interactive installations dot the cityscape, each one delving into a different political topic.

This year’s edition promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, with themes ranging from climate change to social justice, from education to healthcare. Each booth is designed to be interactive, encouraging passersby to engage, learn, and share their thoughts. It’s politics stripped down to its bare essentials, served up with a side of sunshine and a dose of street food.

Politics for Everyone

What sets ‘Of Course This is Political’ apart is its accessibility. It’s not just about the big speeches or the high-profile debates. It’s about making politics tangible, relatable, and relevant to everyday life. The festival is designed to be inclusive, with activities and discussions tailored to different age groups and backgrounds.

Take, for instance, the ‘Politics of Play’ zone, where children can learn about democracy through games and workshops. Or the ‘Politics of Food’ area, where local producers and chefs come together to discuss sustainability and food security. It’s politics that’s not just about the future of the country, but about the future of every individual who calls Malta home.

Politics in Action

But ‘Of Course This is Political’ isn’t just about talking. It’s about doing. The festival is a call to action, encouraging everyone to get involved, to make their voices heard, and to be part of the political process. It’s a reminder that politics isn’t something that happens in the shadows of Parliament or the corridors of power. It’s something that happens right here, on the streets we walk every day.

So, the next time you find yourself in Valletta, don’t just admire the architecture or sample the pastizzi. Look around. Listen. Because politics is happening all around you. And at ‘Of Course This is Political’, everyone’s invited to join the conversation.