The Hamrun Chocolate Festival, will be held on 24 October in the old city, where once again, amazing treats and amazing chocolate feats will be on offer.
The Hamrun Local Council has once again entrusted the Chocolate festival to Mario Camilleri (Events Malta) and master chocolatier Andrew Farrugia.
Mr Farrugia holds two Guinness World Records: the longest chocolate structure in the world, a 34m train which was on display at the Brussels South Station in 2012 andthe world's tallest structure in chocolate, which is a replica of the Burj Khalifa, which was on display at the Dubai International airport in 2014.
With a turnout of more than 15,000 people last year, the chocolate festival is a unique event which gives visitors a special opportunity to enjoy a wide range of chocolate related products. Based on past editions, the organisers this year moved a step forward to give a more welcoming atmosphere and innovative ideaswith unique attractions.
Chocolate... a long history
Cocoa has appealed to the imagination for more than 2,500 years. The Mayas and later the Aztecs used to make nectar from cocoa beans which they spiced with peppers. During their conquests in Latin America the Spanish conquistadors came up with the idea to add cane sugar to this drink which made the Aztec tchocolatl more pleasant for the Europeans.
Hamrun's connection with chocolate was that cocoa beans were stored at tas-Samra area, during the sovereignty of the knights of St John, ruled by Grand Master Perelos.
Fair chocolate
Consumers are finding it increasingly important to know what route an end product exactly follows. Chocolate is no different. They want to know whether the cocoa beans were processed under fair social and ecological conditions. The Hamrun Chocolate Festival is not only about enjoyment and indulgence but also about fair trade.
Imagination and art
During live demonstrations top chefs, bakers and chocolate makers will let visitors discover chocolate creations and recipes that they can try out themselves. Attention will be paid to the wide variety of creative applications with chocolate. This year visitors can enjoy some innovative ideas with unique attractions:
- Elvis Presley - actual size, replica made entirely of chocolate
- The band, Queen - 3D chocolate sculpture
- Chocolate painting on canvas
- Choc tattoo
- Chocolate Sculptures
- Chocolate Body painting
- Chocolate History
- Interactive Choco story by the Institute of Tourism Studies
- Cocoa Painting
- Chocolate Centre Piece Competition
- Various duo bands in St Joseph High Street (Strada Rjali)
- Artists painting in Dun Nerik Mizzi Street
Beauty inside and out
Chocolate is used increasingly in beauty products and for a healthy lifestyle. Chocolate massages, chocolate packs or cocoa therapies are just a few of the treatments that could be presented to the public. Chocolate's role in a healthy and balanced diet is also given an important place at the fair.
The perfect match
The Hamrun Chocolate Festival will show you how chocolate can be deliciously combined with other delicacies.Visitors can try chocolate with a nice glass of wine or a big chocolate fondue with fruit.
Chocolate for kids
Furthermore, children can have creative chocolate fun in a special children's corner where they can paint, have fun and experience chocolate in a different way.
The Hamrun Chocolate Festival will take place on Saturday evening on 24 October in the "old" city centre of Hamrun (near the train station - now the Hamrun scouts quarters) and in St Joseph High Street.