The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
Festa Familja Ħal Safi · The story
A Community Vision, A celebration for every child.
Festa Familja began with a simple idea: to turn every child’s right to play, family, and education into a day that families from across Malta can enjoy together.
The international foundation
Universal Children’s Day
The global foundation of this celebration dates back to 20 November 1954, when the United Nations General Assembly officially established Universal Children’s Day.
The day was created to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide and the improvement of children’s welfare.
20 November also marks two important moments in international law:
The UN General Assembly adopted the historic Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The evolution in Ħal Safi
Three years of growth
Inspired by these principles, Ħal Safi Local Council, led by Mayor Johan Mula, set out to create a secular, community-driven celebration centred entirely on children’s wellbeing and enjoyment, held as close as possible to 20 November.
2023
The inception
The first edition took place on Sunday, 12 November 2023. The pilot project in Misraħ il-Knisja introduced a highly distinctive model: “Everything Free”.
Every amusement ride and activity, as well as popcorn and water, was provided completely free of charge to remove economic barriers to a child’s right to play.
The success was immediate, drawing thousands of visitors from across Malta, attracting national media coverage and beginning the festival’s collaboration with NGOs such as Doninu (Malta) International on sensory and disability inclusion.
2024
Rapid expansion
The second edition outgrew the main square and expanded into Ħal Safi’s surrounding traditional streets as attendance rose beyond 10,000 visitors.
The Council introduced Historical Trackless Train Tours. Families travelled through Safi’s old, narrow streets while guides shared the locality’s southern Maltese heritage, agricultural origins and architectural history.
2025
A national landmark
By its third edition, Festa Familja had become one of the leading events on the Maltese calendar, drawing more than 12,000 visitors.
The village became a large community fair with more than 35 amusement rides, an entertainment stage showcasing the talents of children and young people, well-known Maltese artists, a custom vehicle exhibition, over 30 cultural stands, several crafts exhibitions, and the participation of several civil society organisations supporting the event.
This event highlighted the inclusion of children with special needs and the participation of Doninu Malta, who played an important role in delivering support, refreshments and assistance to children and families throughout the event.
The next chapter
In 2026, we come together under one theme.
Discover how “One Inclusion” will come to life on 22 November.