The seventh edition of the Qala International Folk Festival organised by the Qala Local Council and the Qala Menhir Folk Group, is taking place between Thursday, the 20th and Sunday, the 23rd of September 2012.

This annual festival will transform the picturesque village of Qala, Gozo, into a hub of meticulously organised Folk activities which will give a deep insight into the way ancestors thought and lived in our islands and in other countries.

Huge crowds of Gozitans, Maltese, foreign residents and tourists will be able to live a few days in the past savouring the unique atmosphere which is vividly created by the minutely detailed re-enactment of the traditional Maltese Wedding in dazzling costumes. As well as the excellent performances of foreign folk groups together with the Qala Menhir Folk Group.

The participants this year include the Menhir Qala Junior Folk Group, the Marsascala Junior Folk Group, foreign folk groups, including, Segapidi – Estonia, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ – Slovakia and AHOJ Folk Dance – Turkey. Local band Ghaqda Muzikali ‘Ite ad Joseph,’ Maltese singers and groups, Renato – Georgina, Freddie Portelli and the Emily Saliba Dance Group.

The full programme of events is as follows:

Thursday 20th September 2012

7.45pm A re-enactment of a Maltese Wedding ‘It-Tieg l-Antik’, starting at 28th April Street & move in a procession towards St Joseph Square. Followed by a traditional folk dinner.

8.30pm St Joseph Square, Qala – Opening Ceremony of the 7th edition of the QIFF 2012 – Performances by: Menhir Qala Junior Folk Group, Marsascala Junior Folk Group, Menhir Qala Folk Group, Segapidi, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ, AHOJ Folk Dance & Emily Saliba Dance Group.

Friday 21st September 2012

11.30am Marsaskala Centre Hall – Performances by: Marsascala Junior Folk Group, Menhir Qala Folk Group, Segapidi, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ & AHOJ Folk Dance.

8.00pm Xatt is-Sajjieda, St Julians – Performances by: Menhir Qala Folk Group, Segapidi, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ & AHOJ Folk Dance.

8.00pm St Joseph Square, Qala – ‘Lejla Folkloristika’. Performances by: Renato, Giorgina & Emily Saliba Dance Group.

Saturday 22nd September 2012

9.00am Qala Local Council Hall – ‘International Conference – Gozo Heritage in Stone 2 – A focus on rural & vernacular architecture.’

8.00pm St Joseph Square, Qala – Menhir Qala Junior Folk Group, Menhir Qala Folk Group, Segapidi, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ & AHOJ Folk Dance.

10.15pm St Joseph Square, Qala – Concert by: Freddie Portelli.

Sunday 23rd September 2012

6.00pm Musical Programme from ‘Ite ad Joseph’ Band.

7.30pm St Joseph Square, Qala – Final Ceremony for the 7th edition of the QIFF 2012 – Performances by: Menhir Qala Junior Folk Group, Menhir Qala Folk Group, Segapidi, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ & AHOJ Folk Dance.

Permalink: The seventh edition of the Qala International Folk Festival