Large crowds of locals and tourists attended the Santa Marija feast celebrations in Victoria on Thursday, which included the the traditional Santa Marija – Wirja tal-Biedja u Snajja – agricultural and industrial exhibition in the Villa Rundle Gardens.

Organised by the Agrarian, Industrial and Cultural Society of Gozo, has been taking place in Gozo since 1855, and is a major attraction during the Santa Marija Feast, attracting visitors of all ages.

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

There were over 100 competitors displaying around 4,000 exhibits to the public over the two days of the show. These included produce, livestock, horses, 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.Also on display during the exhibition was the best of Gozo’s artisan work and crafts, such as Gozitan lace, produce, locally produced wines, oil and honey.

On Wednesday evening, there was family entertainment related to traditional folklore – with folk music – ghana – folk dancers and singers – ghanejja – and a reenactment of a traditional Maltese wedding.

The awards ceremony was held on Thursday morning with the presentation of trophies and cash prizes made to the best exhibit in each of the categories by President George Vella, who was accompanied by his wife and welcomed to the show by the Minister for Gozo Dr Justyne Caruana and members of the Victoria Scout Group. Also present was Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Clint Camilleri.The traditional Santa Marija horse races also took place on Thursday afternoon, always a subject of controversy, with many regarding the racing as cruel, because they are held during the main heat of the day and on a hard road surface.

However, the racing draws huge crowds of people who line the main street to watch, particularly visitors from Malta, who are keen to support local horse-owners that cross over for the races.

This year, barriers were installed along the main street as a safety precaution following several accidents over recent years.

Photographs by Alain Salvary

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