One of the activities synonymous with Lija year after year is the Citrus Festival which is organised every January during the citrus season. This involves the local residents gathering a large variety of oranges and lemons which have been grown within their garden for exhibition.

Some species just grow in this area and the oranges have an extraordinary mellow taste unlike those of many other parts of Malta. As result of this, it can be said that the citrus fruit which is exhibited during the festival is unique to Lija. The Coat of Arms of the village of Lija is in fact “With the sweet Fruit I redden” (“Suave fructu rubeo”). In spring one can truly appreciate the scent of orange blossoms. By December and January all these trees display their orange or red fruit.

The Citrus Fruit Festival is held in collaboration with the Local Primary school and the school children take part by producing projects which they have undertaken as part of their school curriculum highlighting the various citrus fruits which grow in this locality. The students also produce a variety crafts all depicting citrus fruit. The council is also sponsored by a local Nursery with citrus trees. There are stands with cakes and sweets which are all related to citrus fruit and residents are also encouraged to take part by exhibiting any candied peel, liqueurs made out of citrus fruit marmalades, cakes etc. There is always a stand of professionally made cakes from well known confectionaries. Sponsors provide jellies, sweets, fruit juice and marmalades too.

In a special section there are exhibits of harvest produce too as well as preserves made with local produce.

This year the two clubs, that of Socjeta Sant Andrija and the Pope Pio Xl Band Club will be taking part too. The activity will be held on today at the Parish Hall “Villa Lija” from 9.30am till 5.30pm.