As previously reported, the festival ‘Is-Sagra ta’ San Girgor’ will be held over next weekend, between Friday the 6th of March and Sunday the 8th of March at Kercem. This festival will include a feast of activities for all the family, namely shows and concerts promoting local talents, traditional Maltese food, exhibitions, Gozitan trades, street decorations, children’s area, band marches and much more.

Full details regarding this festival were given by Kercem Mayor Joe Grima, during a press conference held at the Ministry for Gozo. This conference was also addressed by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono and Dr Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information within the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Minister for Gozo praised this initiative taken by the Kercem Local Council and stated that this event will provide an added attraction in Gozo, during this relatively quiet time of the year. Minister Debono explained how the Ministry for Gozo supports such initiatives and activities since it believes that these are beneficial for the island of Gozo. Apart from attracting a number of visitors from the domestic market, such activities are also an excellent occasion for all the family, whilst promoting the unique characteristics of several Gozitan localities. The Minister for Gozo augured that this activity may be established in Gozo’s annual cultural calendar, as was the case with other activities organised by other Local Councils in Gozo.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, Dr Chris Said said that the festival ‘Is-Sagra ta’ San Girgor’ qualified to benefit from financial aid through a scheme launched by the Department of Local Government for which €150,000 have been allocated on a national basis. This scheme is intended to help Maltese and Gozitan local councils in organising activities that aim to promote their localities during the winter months. This will result in generating economic activity whilst promoting their respective localities. The Parliamentary Secretary also explained that this scheme is jointly related to a competition, which awards localities that reach these criteria.

Kercem Mayor, Joe Grima described how his Local Council merged this activity with the yearly celebration of the traditional feast of Saint Gregory. He gave detailed information about the programme of activities, which includes a cultural tour, sports, candle light, traditional singing, food and drink. Traditional food will be served during this festival together with drinks including wine. The main gastronomical attraction is expected to be a typical Gozitan lunch, to be held on Sunday at noon, which will be accompanied by folkloristic music and dance.

Entertainment during this festival will be performed on three different stages, with the participation of prominent artists in the local scene. These include performances by Freddie Portelli, Claudia Faniello, Aldo Busuttil, The Greenfields, Fabrizio Faniello, Miriam Christine Borg, Philip Vella Band, John Muscat together with Joe id-Dulli and Veronica Farrugia. Other attractions include folk groups and other dancing groups, amongst which Line Dancing. Professional animators will present activities for children under a big tent on all three days.

Official inauguration of ‘Is-Sagra ta’ San Girgor’ will take place on Friday the 6th of March at 5.00 p.m. Thursday evening will see the opening of two exhibitions, specially mounted for this occasion by the Kercem Musical Society and the Kercem Ajax Football Club.

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