During the Mnarja long weekend, the Gozo Cultural Council within the Gozo Ministry in collaboration with the Munxar local council is organising a two-day cultural activity in the picturesque bay of Xlendi in Gozo.

Following the highlight of the Mnarja village festa celebrated on Friday in Nadur, this special event kicks off on Saturday at 9pm with a programme of events which includes Gozitan pop bands Mistaken Identity and Cash and Friends, as well as the participation of guest singer Vittorio Gauci.

On Sunday, there will be a focus folkloristic elements of Gozitan culture, with the participation of Gozitan ghannejja and folk groups, including Menhir from Qala, Ciangura from San Lawrenz and Aurora from Victoria.

The St Gregory Band of Kercem and fireworks will give the evening a touch of festa spirit. The evening programme starts at 6.30pm.

Complementing the entertainment programme, Xlendi restaurants together with local fishermen and fish vendors, will be participating in the organisation of a fish festival, which will be the first of its kind in Gozo.

During these two evenings, on buying freshly-caught fish from stands set up for the occasion, the buyer is given a special ticket which allows him to have the same fish grilled at one of the participating restaurants for only a nominal fee. Most of the Xlendi restaurants are participating in this initiative.

Boat trips to the caves found in this bay together with train rides in a specially set up children’s area, are also being organised and will be available throughout these two days.

In order to avoid traffic congestions, the organisers are appealing for the cooperation of the general public to reach Xlendi via the use of the main road going through Fontana, and leaving the bay through Munxar.

Further details may be obtained by phoning on tel: 2155-6125 or 2155-8755.