Nenu Debono, an enterprising baker and the chairman of Maypole (Bakery) Ltd, has very much at heart the Maltese hobza.

He refers to the making of the bread as a work of art.

In truth, it has a unique flavour and can accompany any cuisine and bring out various satisfying delights.

It’s a Maltese tradition, a unique gastronomical experience that requires a sacrifice to produce.

Nenu, who comes from a family of bakers and was born and bred in one of the oldest villages famous for its bakeries, also named by Grandmaster Pinto as Casal Forno, refers to this trade as a vocation. Many people are unaware of the amount of time, labour and sacrifice put into producing our Maltese hobza.

It’s a pity that such a unique heritage could be swept away by current threats to its survival. Unfortunately, the fight for the Maltese hobza’s survival depends solely on the bakers themselves who not only have to fight for their livelihood against all odds but have no guidance, support or financial help to save this tradition.

It should be the authority’s responsibility to implement strategies to safe guard and help the Maltese baker and not vice versa.

It was Nenu’s dream to pay tribute to the Maltese hobza, as he felt that something so simple, so enjoyed by all and a credit to Maltese history, culture and tradition should not be left out.

Last month, Nenu’s dream came true. The Maltese hobza was awarded an exclusive event “Is-Sahha tal-Hobza Maltija” at the La Valette Hall at the Mediterranean Conference Centre themed.

The highlights of the event were the talks and presentations given by professional guest speakers who gave an insight to various relating topics namely the type of wheat used, nutrition, food safety, theological aspects incorporating the bread of life and the social history of Maltese bread.

The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Minister for Tourism and Culture and Nenu Debono himself gave speeches.

The various food stalls, which displayed a lavish buffet based on a menu of Maltese bread that was specifically adapted for the evening, were not short of taste, colour and choice.

The event came to a close with a live performance by local Maltese artists using Maltese instruments, namely iz-zaqq and it-tanbur.