Wikimedia Community User Group Malta/Każini

WikiProject Każini: Community Band Clubs in Malta Q126912787

The Każini project is an opportunity to focus on creating a visual and structured representation of the almost 100 każini (community band clubs) spread across the Maltese islands. These band clubs are key social and cultural institutions in Malta, often tied to village feast celebrations and the rich musical heritage of the country. Mapping them digitally would help preserve their historical and cultural significance while making this information more accessible.

Project coordinators

Katja Zahra Camilleri, Assistant Librarian at University of Malta
Enrique Tabone, WCM Program Coordinator, Artist & Researcher

About the project

The Każini Project in Malta is an initiative aimed at documenting and celebrating the vibrant tradition of local community band clubs, known as Każini.

These clubs are at the heart of Malta's cultural and social life, playing a pivotal role in the island’s annual religious feasts, particularly the famous Festa celebrations. The project seeks to capture the essence of these institutions, their music, history, and the deep community ties they foster.

The band clubs, often closely associated with specific towns or villages, are not just musical hubs but also social spaces where locals gather to celebrate important events, build community spirit, and pass on musical traditions. The project encourages members of the public to contribute by sharing photographs, stories, and information about their local każini, enriching the historical record of these cultural institutions. By doing so, the Każini project also ensures that these rich traditions are openly preserved for future generations, showcasing the important role they play in Maltese identity. Through this initiative, the project highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of Malta's cultural landscape while safeguarding a cherished aspect of its heritage. In documenting the history and activities of these band clubs, the Każini project contributes to a deeper understanding of Maltese culture and strengthens the connections between Malta’s past and present.

Aims

to document and organize structured data on Wikidata about Malta's band clubs and their wider connection with Maltese cultural heritage.

to create an accessible database of Malta's band clubs encompassing photography, oral histories, and essential data gathering.

This project includes collecting detailed information on each band club, such as their location, history, notable members, musical contributions, and involvement in local feasts and traditions. The goal of such a project on Wikidata would be to create an open and easily accessible digital repository of knowledge about these band clubs. It provides structured data for use across Wikipedia and other open knowledge platforms, enabling the sharing of information about Malta's band clubs in multiple languages and formats. This effort will contribute to the preservation of the cultural significance of Malta’s community band clubs and enhance public awareness of their role in Maltese society.

Key Aspects of the Każini Project

Cultural Heritage Documentation: cataloging local traditions, practices, and historical sites.
Community Involvement: Engaging with local residents in sharing stories, photographs, and artifacts related to their culture.
Educational Initiatives: Organizing workshops, talks, or events to educate the public about Maltese heritage.
Online Resources: Using platforms like Wikidata to make information accessible, creating entries for various cultural elements, and ensuring they are well-referenced.
Promotion of Maltese Identity: Highlighting the unique aspects of Maltese culture to foster a sense of pride and community.

Mapping Każini

Location Data: Using platforms like Wikidata and OpenStreetMap, the project is pinpointing the exact locations of all registered każini in Malta and Gozo, giving users a clear view of where each band club is situated.
Historical and Cultural Data: Each mapped każin would include information about its founding year, notable figures, the specific patron saint or festa it supports, and the musical traditions it fosters. This would enrich both the cultural and historical understanding of these institutions.
Interactive Digital Maps: The project will create interactive digital maps that not only show the geographical locations of these każini but also provide links to photographs, historical archives, and even audio recordings of band performances. This can be achieved through GIS (Geographic Information System) platforms or existing map frameworks like Google Maps.
Integration with Wikimedia Projects: By adding każini data to Wikidata, the project will connect structured data with Wikipedia entries and other Wikimedia platforms. This would allow for the automatic generation of maps and data visualizations related to the history and current activities of these clubs.
Community Engagement: Engaging the local community would be crucial for gathering accurate data, oral histories, and visual documentation of the Każini. Local members and volunteers could contribute by submitting data, photos, and stories. The mapping Każini in Malta project would not only help preserve a significant part of Maltese culture but also make it more visible to a global audience, serving as an educational tool and a cultural archive. By involving community members throughout the process, it will create a more sustainable and meaningful outcome.

Activities

From April 2024: Initial data captured on Wikidata Q126912787
From 29 June 2024: Curation of Category:Community band clubs in Malta on Wikimedia Commons
September 2024: Wiki Loves Monuments in Malta includes Każini sub-category
8 November 2024: Każini introduced to the general public at the Malta Book Festival to initiate community engagement