Culture Minister Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli have launched the 19th edition of Żejt iż-Żejtun, a festival that merges art, tradition, and community spirit in honour of Malta's olive oil heritage and the town's cultural legacy.

'Żejt iż-Żejtun' is a folkloristic celebration that coincides with the olive harvesting season - both for curing and for oil pressing.

This year, the event, now in its 19th edition, will be held on Saturday, 25 October from 7pm onwards and Sunday, 26 October until noon, a government statement said.

Bonnici, Zerafa Civelli and the Mayor of Żejtun Joan Agius, launched this traditional festival, which aims to celebrate the beauty of Żejtun, Maltese folklore, and to further promote interest in olive cultivation and the production of quality olive oil.

Bonnici spoke of his satisfaction that Żejt iż-Żejtun is once again being held, saying that it has become an important part of Malta's annual cultural calendar.

He added that it is "wonderful to see Żejtun bringing together artists, tradition and community in a celebration of Maltese identity."

Zerafa Civelli praised the Żejtun Local Council, its workers and all those involved for their commitment and professionalism in organising this cultural event year after year.

She said that through funding schemes issued by the Local Government Division, support is being provided so that Local Councils can continue holding cultural activities annually.

Mayor Agius said that Żejt iż-Żejtun remains one of the most anticipated occasions by residents, as it brings families together, tells the story of the town, and reminds all of the community values they uphold.

"This is not just a festival about oil and olives, but a celebration of the spirit of Żejtun, of hardworking people, heritage and living tradition," she said, thanking the volunteers and residents for their dedication.

The event opens on Saturday at 7pm with a procession by the Grandmaster, accompanied by drummers, musicians, dancers, and villagers carrying baskets of olives toward the parvis of the Church of St Catherine V.M.

After the reading of a proclamation, the baskets of olives will be blessed to the cheerful sound of church bells, the statement said.

The evening will continue with a presentation on olive tree varieties, and a live olive pressing demonstration, during which fresh olive oil will be served with traditional ftajjar bread seasoned with olives.

In addition to pure olive oil, visitors will find honey rings (qagħaq tal-għasel), Maltese bread pudding (pudina tal-ħobż), qassatat, carob syrup, and recipe books based on olive oil available for purchase.

All this will take place in a festive atmosphere featuring folk music, traditional dancing, Maltese crafts and artisan work, along with olive trees and agricultural products for sale, it said.

During the event, the Parish Church of St Catherine V.M., the Oratory, the Kanirja, and the Parish Hall - which houses the famous painting depicting the beheading of St Catherine - will be open to the public.

Visitors can also tour the Żejtun and Beland band clubs, which will host interesting exhibitions related to Żejtun's history.

The celebration continues on Sunday morning from 8am onwards, featuring the blessing of animals at Ġnien l-Għannejja Żwieten (St Gregory's Garden).

The morning will include a display of goats and sheep, folk singing (għana), traditional children's games, and stalls.