The Qala International Folk Festival organised by the Qala Local Council and the Qala Menhir Folk Group, got underway on Thursday and concludes tomorrow Sunday, the 23rd of September 2012.

This annual festival, which this year is the seventh edition, has transformed the picturesque village of Qala, Gozo, into a hub of meticulously organised Folk activities giving 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 have been attracted to the festival, particularly as it falls over a long weekend and are 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.

On Thursday evening the re-enactment of a traditional Maltese Wedding transformed Qala’s main street and squares into a medieval village with scores of men, women and children wearing elaborate costumes, horses drawing carts, shepherds tending sheep, women working lace and children playing traditional games.

The ceremony started started at 28th April Street and then the procession proceeded to St. Joseph Square. On lookers joined in to feel part of the proceeding. Everyone then made their way to the church Square and the wedding vows were taken on the church Parvis. A ‘festin’ with traditional delicacies brought the ceremony to an end. This was the followed by the opening ceremony of the festival.

Friday saw performances of traditional songs, dances, music and an array of colourful costumes of the three foreign groups and local dance and song groups.

Saturday morning at the Qala Local Council Hall an ‘International Conference – Gozo Heritage in Stone 2 – A focus on rural & vernacular architecture.’ took place. In the evening there will be more traditional entertainment by both the local and foreign groups. The evening will finish with a concert by Freddie Portelli.

The 3-day festival will conclude on Sunday evening with a Musical Programme from ‘Ite ad Joseph’ Band. This will be followed in St Joseph Square, by the Final Ceremony for the 7th edition of the QIFF 2012, with performances by: Menhir Qala Junior Folk Group, Menhir Qala Folk Group, Segapidi, Folk Dance Ensemble MAJ & AHOJ Folk Dance.

File photo.

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