Strawberry season is well and truly among us, and there is no greater sign that spring has finally sprung than the annual Festa Frawli in Mgarr.

Festa Frawli, which was held yesterday, saw weeks of preparations culminate in this annual festival held in the Church Square of Mgarr. The annual event is now in its 12th year.

The event attracted huge crowds to the peaceful agricultural town, eager to try the sweetest and juiciest strawberries in the land. More than eight tonnes of strawberries were sold on the day, regularly stocked up at stalls by the farmers themselves.

Photos James Caruana

A whole manner of strawberry related snacks and beverages were on offer at a large open air kitchen. The festival features anything from freshly squeezed juices to more original strawberry creations such as ravioli and arancini. A large variety of preserves and strawberry wines were also on offer this year, as well a new addition of a strawberry gin bar by Ampersand. An additional open air kitchen also offered traditional Maltese dishes. Ramla Valley Extra Virgin Oil also had a stall offering olive oil tastings during the day. Craft lined the picturesque town square.

Renowned DJ Pierre Cordina provided a sound track amongst the day’s events, alongside folk artists and local acts.

Children were not disappointed as this year organisers arranged a petting farm with the Rabbit Club, a bouncy castle, face painting, sand picture stalls, small train rides and children’s strawberry artwork was displayed around the primary school.

Heritage Malta’s neighbouring Ta Hagrat temples were open at a reduced entry fee with guided tours offered throughout the day.

For the first time this year there were organised hour long treks from the festival site to neighbouring localities.

The event was organised by Mgarr Local Council and Kumissjoni Lejla Mgarrija with the support of many hundreds of local volunteers.