Sagħtar magazine publishes its 400th edition

The nostalgic for many, Maltese magazine Sagħtar celebrated its 400th edition since its initial production in 1971, making it the publication with the highest number of printed issues to-date in Malta. 

Fondazzjoni Sagħtar, run by the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), on Friday held an event ‘Festa Sagħtar’ for students and adults, which featured music, dance performances, and panel discussions by key contributors of the magazine.

Over 250 drawings of students were exhibited during the event, produced as part of a call to design the front cover of the 400th edition, which will continue to be presented at the foundation offices in Hamrun during this week. 

Founder Marco Bonnici and Chairperson Elaine Germani of Fondazzjoni Sagħtar were also presented with a certificate from The Malta Records, an organisation recognising local accomplishments. 

Sagħtar magazine was first published by Moviment Qawmien Letterarju to promote writing in the Maltese language in 1971, later being taken over by the MUT in 1976, continuing to be published monthly. 

44 years after its continuous production, in 2015, the publication suffered financial burdens, leading to a five-year hiatus. 
In 2020, the publication was brought back as a digital and printed publication, aiming to modernize the magazine and further promote the Maltese language. 

As part of this initiative, the foundation hosts a weekly radio programme on RTK 103FM, whilst also publishing a single magazine edition aimed at foreign national children who are currently learning the Maltese language. 

Popular with students were the publication’s pull-out posters in each edition, featuring various musicians and celebrities, a tradition which is carried on till this day. The latest edition showcased a poster of Malta Eurovision winner Aidan, although, no longer placed in the middle of the publication. 

Sagħtar also occasionally released special issues, such as a 30,000-copy edition coinciding with Pope John Paul II’s first visit to Malta.

Including information regarding current local and international topics, Maltese literature segments, and other entertainment columns, the publication continues to inform and educate students and remains one of the few contemporary Maltese language reading materials suitable for children, a key tool used in Maltese lessons.