Next Sunday, 10 April from 10am onwards, the annual strawberry festival known as Festa Frawli will be held in the agricultural village of Mgarr Malta.  Mgarr is the major producer of strawberries on the island, thus this festival was conceived to showcase the village’s agricultural heritage, as well as the benefits and characteristics of strawberries.

Now in its fifth edition, the festival regularly attracts thousands of visitors, including of course tourists. Last year, over eight tonnes of strawberries were sold in half a day, with a further ton used for the variety of freshly prepared food and drinks on offer. Maltese folk and ethnic artists are being invited to perform while impromptu lectures on folk instruments and Maltese music traditions will be held throughout the event. Craftsmen will also be exhibiting their products, while a record-breaking gigantic gateau will be prepared. There are several other attractions aimed at young children, including strawberry plants in various growth stages with explanation panels, horse riding, games with animators and face painting. This is a non-profit event, with the farmers donating all the strawberries and various private and government entities sponsoring the event.  Scores of volunteers work throughout the year to organise this event, with their sole reward being the festival’s success.