The opening of the Malta Artisan Markets Vittoriosa held on Sunday 15 May at Couvre Porte in collaboration with the Vittoriosa Local Council set a stunning scene for local artists, craftspeople and healthy food producers to sell their wares in a beautiful historic setting. In excess of 800 shoppers were able to lunch on delicious delicacies, meet the food producers directly, browse as well as shop for unique arts, crafts and presents on the day.
Dignitaries Mrs Kate Gonzi visited the market and thoroughly enjoyed sampling some of the fresh delicacies while meeting and chatting to the producers and artists themselves. British High Commissioner Ms Louise Stanton stayed and had lunch bought from the producers in the market.
Live Music was provided by Mark Rapa, Philip Zammit and Yuri who entertained the shoppers all day while they wandered around the delightful market.
This was the first event of what Malta Artisan Markets and the Vittoriosa Local Council hope will become a regular feature on the local scene. It is a showcase for micro-entrepreneurs, a selling space and a low cost way of encouraging people to start up their own creative business by providing a unique low cost space to present, sell and be encouraged by others, both fellow participants and visitors. It gives both locals and foreigners the opportunity to buy authentic locally made high quality, affordable products direct from over 40 carefully selected food producers, artists and craftspeople.
Malta Artisan Markets aims to be the meeting place at the weekend for friends and families who are passionate about quality local products and who like to consciously shop knowing they are supporting local entrepreneurs and jobs (not imports) while also socialising in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere.
Artists on the day included Caroline Said Lawrence, Sue Mifsud Ceramics; Prickly Pear Designs from Gozo, HAMM Photography, Bedazzled Jewellery, Soap Café, Hannah Cassar Art, Kevin Morris, Unearthed Jewellery, Stephanie Borg; Magro The Silversmith; Touchstone; Egg Décor and Nadege Renee Jewellery.
Food and Drink Producers on the day included Dr Juice; It-Tokk from Gozo; My Little Treasures; Ta Matti Olive oils; Fawwara Honey; Philip Buhagiar; Sweet Temptations; Marsovin Wines; Mummies Yummies; Taverna Sugo; Grain Goddess; Dorianne Kurtcu Mifsud; Duvel Beer; Ta Mena from Gozo; With Love from Our Kitchen and Verdalat cheeses. The market even catered yummy fodder for the pooches of Malta including Monique Chamber’s homemade Pet Pleasures dog biscuits!
This is the start of a bigger and better market. Remember it was the first one. So if you have an idea for artisan products, food, art, crafts etc..please do not hesitate to get in touch with Lisa Grech and her team. Lets make it happen!