Mnarja 2014 – a traditional feast with a new dimension

On the 28 and 29 June, on the feast of St Peter and St Paul, in the Buskett woodlands, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights will be organizing a programme that promises visitors a taste of the past and present of agriculture, animal husbandry, crafts and arts.

Every year, the Mnarja feast brings together a mixture of tradition, religion, food and music. It protrays typical Maltese folklore and agriculture festival with plenty of music, folk dancing, feasting, exhibition and competitions involving not only animals such as cows, pigs, rabbits, horses, poultry, dogs, sheep and goats but also a variety of vegetables, fruit and Maltese specialties such as oil, honey, herbs, Maltese cheese (Gbejna) to mention a few. 

It also incorporates a showcase of traditional artisans, who will demonstrate the making of ġbejniet, ricotta and soft nougat.

Other crafts such as sculpture and visual arts, glasswork and soap making will also be represented. Children will have the chance to try traditional musical instruments and kites, as well as folk music and storytelling session prepared especially for them.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca will be presenting prizes to the winners of the animal and fruit and vegetable shows.