Il-Kumittiva - Stedina għaż-Żfin!

A Traditional Carnival Folk Dance! - An Invitation to Dance. Join us for an enchanting journey into the rhythms of Maltese folk dance!

Experience Il-Kumittiva, a lesser-known yet vibrant carnival dance tradition with roots in ancient fertility rituals. This captivating dance, still performed in Xagħra around the area of the Church of the Nazarene in Gozo, consists of cyclical, paired movements that unfold in a mesmerizing sequence.

Traditionally part of carnival festivities Il-Kumittiva ta’ Nazzarenu features nine distinct dances, lasting over an hour. Among them are the Labranzetta, Is-Salib, Il-Bixkilla, L-Ingliża—each characterized by circular and tunnel formations, culminating around a maypole adorned with a basket of fruit or flowers.

Join us as we retrace the steps of our ancestors, guided by experienced instructors who will teach these historic dance formations. Accompanied by the lively sounds of Gozitan daqqaqa (Traditional Maltese Folk Guitarists) playing the accordion, tambourines, and the traditional żafżafa (friction drum), this immersive experience invites you to dance, celebrate, and connect with Malta’s cultural heritage.

Whether you're looking for a fun and interactive experience, a unique social event, or an opportunity to pass this tradition on to your students or community, this event promises to be both entertaining and enriching.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a living tradition—come dance with us!

Project Manager

Sandra Mifsud 

Researcher & Advisor 

Vicki Ann Cremona

Dance & Event Facilitator

Douglas Comley

Dance Workshop Leaders

Għaqda Kumittiva Għawdex

Musicians

Fabio Schembri, Phillip Formosa, Francesco Sultana and Michael Galea

Brass Band Procession

Il-Banda tal-Kumittiva

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vicki Ann Cremona.