The Ghaqda Muzikali San Girgor of Kercem, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, organised Festubru, a festival of tradition, folk and food and local heritage, held over last weekend in the peaceful environment of the most picturesque valley in the islands, the Lunzjata valley in Kercem. This was the second year that the event was held and proved again to be a great success.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, inaugurated the second edition praising the initiative of The Ghaqda Muzikali San Girgor of Kercem for orgainsing the event and said that the programme was evocative of the old Gozitan traditions inherited from past generations. The Minister went on to say that the fesitval was set to be an added attraction highlighting the traditions of Gozo.

The three-day activity opened with guided tours on Friday morning for school children who were given a full presentation of the natural and historical heritage of the valley and its surroundings. In the evening, folk music embellished the atmosphere of the opening of the traditional Tverna – the popular meeting place of locals, whilst being served with traditional foods and wine. At the same time a group of Gozitan poets and authors shared their literature and prose amongst themselves and the general public.

On Saturday, at sunset, a magical sensation engulfed the valley with hundreds of fjakkli (traditional torches). A historical re-enactment followed which presented a military parade accompanying Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful and his entourage. The Centre Stage Academy gave a show of dance and music, which was followed by the Astra Folk Group who put on a display of traditional dance and folkloristic music. At the same time several traditional ghannejja presented traditional songs which were accompanied by guitars and other instruments.

On Sunday a traditional game started the day off – Il-Brilli – as well as an activity organised by the Vers Aghtini focussing on local dialects and traditional music. Over the three days other attractions also included an exhibition of farming tools and animals from the past, the production of Gozitan cheeslets and wool weaving. A variety of local fresh products and preservatives were also available for sale.

Permalink: The second edition of Festubru 2010 another great success