SUMMER 2012 WITH NATURALMENT MALTI FESTIVALS

Friday, August 10, 2012

The Ministry for Resources & Rural Affairs is committed in emphasising the importance and the
benefits of the local product, especially when consumed fresh in season. After the launch of the
Naturalment Malti quality standards label on the 11th July, it will be presenting a Summer of Festivals
with Naturalment Malti as part of its educational (yet entertaining) campaign, focusing on three
products which characterise the Maltese Summer – Tomatoes and Dolphin Fish (Lampuki).

Melita at Tomato Fest
The weekend between the 11th and 12th August it’s time for the Tomato Fest. This is the peak period
for tomato picking in the Maltese Islands and the Gozitan producers thought it would be appropriate
to share this experience with the public. We shall be crossing over to our sister island Gozo, exactly
at Pjazza Orvieto at Ta’ Kercem for the Tomat0-Fest. The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs in
collaboration with the Tomato Producers Cooperative, Ministry for Gozo, Ta’ Kercem Local Council,
Għaqda Mużikali San Girgor and Grupp Armar Għajn Tuta shall be responsible for the organisation of
this activity. During the two days of the event, the public shall be given the opportunity to pick their
own tomatoes (starting 6pm). A competition with prizes for the best variety of tomatoes will be
open for all tomato producers and farmers and games involving tomatoes shall be organised for
children and adults. About 40 pieces of machinery related to the tomato industry will also be on
display. A varied menu of tomato based food shall be available throughout the whole evening. The
evening will be accompanied by live stage performances and various local artisan exhibitions. Those
who wish to tour the quaint village of Ta’ Kerċem may do so on a Fun Train stopping for some
tomato harvesting along the way. The Sunday morning celebration will start with a folk mass
(Għana) in the square followed by more tomato themed activities and folk music. The programme
will run until one in the afternoon.
NOTE: Service of a shuttle bus from Imgarr Ferry to Ta’ Kercem and back during both days of
activity.

Melita at Lampuki Fest
Saturday 8th September shall mark the Lampuki Festival at Spinola, St Julians. The Ministry for
Resources and Rural Affairs will be holding this event with the participation of St Julian’s Local
Council and the fishermen of the locality. In September the lampuki season is at its best, and during
the event one can buy freshly-caught lampuki whilst also savouring a selection of appetizing lampuki
dishes cooked right on the spot by professional chefs. Those attending will have the opportunity to
interact with local fishermen and Ministry’s Officials who will be displaying fishing tackle, equipment,
vessels and other tools related to this traditional craft. Those who would like a relaxing boat trip may
take a Maltese Dgħajsa and enjoy the picturesque Spinola Bay.
During all activities there will be an entertainment programme for the whole family. For further
details and information you may visit www.mrra.gov.mt; send an email t0
naturalmentmalti.mrra@gov.mt,  or phone 22924110/4130.