Running from the 16th till the 19th of October, Gozo will be hosting a distinct festival, marking the first decade of the Gozitan Folk Group 'Ta' Cangura' - San Lawrenz. This festival does not only aim to give knowledge of specific customs, but rather shed awareness on the marked identity belonging to the quaint village of Saint Lawrence.
A considerable content of this festival is being co-funded by the European Union, under the LEADER Programme, a programme covering Malta's Rural Development 2007-2013. Funds have been tapped form European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, with 80% financing by the European Union and 20% financing by the Maltese government.
These three days will host the exhibition 'Identita' (Identity), opening Thursday 16 October. This exhibition will be held in the locality's Parish Community Hall, exhibiting a people's identity through period photos, objects and tools.
On Friday 17 October, Ms Claire Bonavia will hold a lecture on the Maltese traditional costume, herself an authority on the subject. This lecture is open to the general public. Those who may wish to book a seat can do so through tel. 79030604 or via email on [email protected]
On Saturday morning, starting from 9am, a heritage trail around the locality will include historical facts on the locality and whereabouts. Furthermore, residents will be demonstrating artisan craftsmanship of old trades, such as Il-buttar (Pottery maker), il-qalfat (cane making),l-iskultur tal-gebel (stone sculpture), Bizzilla (lace making),is- sajjied (fisherman trade), il-Haddied (blacksmith) u l-bidwi (farmer). Prior booking through tel. 79030604 or via email on [email protected] is necessary.
On Saturday evening, from 8pm onwards, various local folk groups will showcase particular folk dance routines, namely the Jackson's Zaqq u Tanbur Folk Group, Sinnet Folk Group-Sannat, Mnarja Folk Group-Nadur, Paul Curmi Dance Company and The Greenfields. The evening will culminate with the reintroduction of the Kummittiva (Maypole) - traditionally performed during carnival - a custom in the village's lore, which however has not been performed since 1972. Ta' Ċangura - San Lawrenz Folk Group has been responsible for unearthing its music and dance sequence.
Sunday 19th will host a thanksgiving mass at 10.30am in Saint Lawrence Parish Church. At noon follows a luncheon wholly based on time honoured traditional recipes. Lunch will include much-loved dishes like lampuki pie, baked rice, stuffed beef olives, rabbit, chicory coffee and aniseed flavoured biscuits. Booking is essential as seats are limited. Tel. 79030604, email on [email protected].
Closing off the three day festival will be the launching of a book depicting traditional children's games. This publication is particularly aimed for young children, specifically intending to keep alive the intangible heritage of traditional games.
More information and the full programme are available on the village's webpage sanlawrenz.org or on the Facebook page facebook.com/dawradurellafolkfest. Alternatively, one can email [email protected]