We are now deep into the summer holiday season, and with it comes one of the most eagerly awaited highlights of the Maltese cultural calendar – the peak of festa season. All over the islands, village squares are alive with colour and music, but it is the night skies that truly steal the show. Fireworks, in their dazzling variety, paint the heavens with bursts of light and sound, bringing together communities and visitors alike in moments of shared awe.

In recent years, the bar has been raised considerably. Gone are the days when a few random petards were let off merely to make some noise. Today, we are treated to fully-fledged choreographed displays – fireworks that dance to music, in perfect synchrony, and with a precision that borders on the surgical. Technology has played a central role in this transformation. Electric firing systems, synchronised to the beat of a soundtrack, have turned our traditional pyrotechnics into a kind of digital art form, while retaining the soul and craftsmanship that define them.

Even the smallest of villages now stage displays that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. Innovations in design have also brought new creations to the fore – none more iconic than the ball of balls, a shell that has quickly become the signature flourish of many a feast. These are not mere explosives; they are carefully crafted works of art, built to inspire and impress.

Yet behind every burst of light is a story of dedication and risk. Hundreds of volunteers devote countless hours to perfecting their craft, often at great personal danger. No matter the safety protocols or the technological advancements, pyrotechnics remains an inherently hazardous trade. And while many still refer to these individuals as dilettanti, the truth is far from that – their artistry, imagination, and technical skill are nothing short of world-class.

Without their passion, our summers would lose a vital part of their magic. The Maltese skies, so often lit in celebration, are a testament not only to our traditions but to the remarkable people who keep them alive, ensuring that each summer night has the power to make us look up in wonder.