Valletta 2018 is hosting Qatt ma Ninsa – Għawdex ta’ Dari, a memories-gathering project aimed at collecting stories about items related to Gozitan community life, in Pjazza San Franġisk, Victoria, Gozo, this weekend.

Speaking at yesterday’s opening, Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef said: “Through this project, which is being organised in preparation for 2018 – the year Valletta will be a European Capital of Culture – we are guaranteeing that the special atmosphere shared by the Gozitan community will not be lost. This community feeling will contribute to positive changes to Maltese, Mediterranean and European society.”

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo thanked the Valletta 2018 Foundation for including Gozo in its cultural programme. “This project celebrates Gozo’s history and community: every family has its own story which contributes to the island’s individuality.”

Yesterday’s festivities opened with a performance by Gozitan choral group Chorus Urbanus, followed by a contemporary dance performance inspired by memories of the Gozitan community by Gozitan dance company Naupaca Dance Factory.

Qatt ma Ninsa includes an exhibition of models of the dgħajsa tal-Latini and the Gozo ferry Malita, as well as the video series Ħaġa u Taħdita, which focuses on the daily lives of the Gozitan community.

L-Ikla t-Tajba pop-up kitchen served street food with a twist all night. Young people from Aġenzija Żgħażagħ prepared food from the pre-war era in view of the event’s connection with the past.

A candle memorial also took place last night in which candles were dedicated to Gozitan personalities nominated by various Gozitan local councils. The community was also invited to dedicate a candle to someone important to them, resulting in Pjazza San Franġisk being illuminated by candles. Gozo-based band Cash and Band provided musical entertainment through the night.

Residents are encouraged to bring along their family heirlooms and objets d’art, photographs and favourite recipes and share their stories or discover their origins during this gathering-of-memories event, which continues today between 9am and noon.