Following the success of the first two editions of the Qala International Folk Festival, the Qala Local Council together with the Menhir Qala Folk Group, are again organising another edition of this folkloristic festival. This is going to be held in Qala between 25 and 28 September, with participation in another two localities in Malta. Details regarding this year’s edition were given during a press conference held at the Gozo Ministry by minister Giovanna Debono together with Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg.

Mr Buttigieg explained the main aim of this festival, being that of exposing old practices and folkloristic traditions connected both with the locality of Qala as well as with the island of Gozo. A relatively slow weekend was also chosen for this event in order for it to serve as an added attraction for Maltese and foreign tourists to visit the island. This aspect was an important element for the organisers to benefit from the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme, set up through the initiative of the ministry with the collaboration of the Finance, Economy and Investment Ministry mainly through the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund. The organisers were also eligible for EU funds through a programme promoting cultural exchanges.

This made possible the inclusion of two European folk groups, one from Serbia and one from Portugal, who together with the Menhir Qala Folk Group and another three Gozitan folk groups will be participating in this year’s edition of this festival. These folk groups will also be giving shows in Qawra and St Julian’s, on Friday 26 September. The festival will also include a concert by The Versatile Brass ensemble and the participation of the Ide at Joseph Band of Qala and the Ta’ Seguna Instrumental Group.

Apart from folk music and dance, the Qala International Folk Festival will also feature a live exhibition of traditional artisan work which includes lace making, canework, stained glass, woodwork, stone decorating and pottery. Moreover it will include an exhibition of various antique objects and costumes that were used by Gozitan generations during the last four centuries. The Local Gastronomy section providing typical Gozitan food and wine will surely prove to be a special attraction.

The festival will come to an end on Sunday. The activities on this day will start at 10am with a unique re-enactment of a traditional Gozitan wedding. The community of Qala will be involved in the celebration of this wedding, wearing traditional costumes and serving typical food which used to be served at similar events in old times.