Gozo’s annual agricultural and industrial exhibition is now officially open for Santa Marija – Wirja tal-Biedja u Snajja.

The show, which was opened on Sunday evening by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Blessed by Gozo Bishop Mgr Anton Teuma, is the Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria, where visitors of all ages will be able to experience traditional Gozitan sights and sounds.

Always a major attraction during the Santa Marija Feast, the show has been taking place on the island since 1855, is organised by by the Agrarian, Industrial and Cultural Society of Gozo.

In years gone by, the 15th of August is when farmers were due to pay their farming land lease – qbiela – and is now the firm date of this Gozo Agrarian Show.

There are more than 4,000 exhibits on display to the public, including produce, livestock, poultry, vegetables, song birds and farm machinery.

This popular show is the opportunity for local farming families to proudly present their produce and livestock for everyone to see.

Gozo’s artisan work and crafts, produce, locally produced wines, oil and honey are showcased during the exhibition.

Today, Monday, the 14th, the show opened at 10.30am. There will be static exhibitions of crafts, fruit and vegetables, birds and poultry. The rabbit show competition is at 7pm that evening. Between 8pm and 11pm, there will be an evening of traditional ghana withe the participation of local folk singers and guitarists. The show closes at 11pm.

Then on Tuesday, the 15th, the show opens at 7am to the public with a number of exhibitions and competitions getting underway relating to the animals. The awards ceremony takes place at 11am with the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to the best exhibit in each of the categories. The show comes to a close at 1pm.

Entrance is free of charge.

Photographs: MGOZ

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