VALLETTA — The Government of Malta has made headlines with its new initiative: goodbye public holidays, hello Tuna Appreciation Days. Starting from next month, locals will celebrate their love for tuna fish with extravagant street parades featuring tuna-themed floats.
Prime Minister Tumas said, ‘We believe this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our heritage. Besides, everyone loves tuna, right? Especially when it’s stuffed in a pastizzi.‘
The parades will not only feature the colorful floats but will also include the national anthem sung in the Dwejra dialect. Merrymakers will be encouraged to wear tuna-inspired costumes, with fishy accessories and glittering scales. Local artisans are reportedly cashing in on the craze, creating tuna hats and inflatable tuna rings.
“People are excited to finally have something to look forward to instead of boring holidays,”
The Planning Authority has already approved permits for the first Tuna Appreciation Day parade in Valletta. Unfortunately, some locals are concerned about the lack of space for the floats—particularly near the infamous parking zones.
Sliema Residents Outraged Over Parking Issues
Meanwhile, residents in Sliema are expressing outrage as their beloved promenade prepares to host the first parade. Marija, a long-time Sliema resident, stated, ‘First it was the traffic, then construction, and now tuna floats? Biddon il-livell tal-ġenn!’
Critics of the initiative claim that tuna is no replacement for the traditional Maltese holidays like Santa Marija or the Feast of St. Paul. However, those in favor say it’s an opportunity to unite under a collective love of the sea.
In a recent survey, four out of five Maltese expressed they would rather celebrate fish than public holidays, with only one insisting they preferred fireworks to tuna parades—much to the dismay of the Art Department.
At press time, the first float is said to be a giant pastizza featuring a tuna model that took three local fishermen and one construction worker to create.