Traditionally, the ‘Imnarja’ was a feast in which farmers would rest after harvest, and has been held in Buskett since the times of the Knights of St John. A few hundreds of years later, the day became synonymous with farmers displaying their animals and produce, and having prizes awarded those deemed to be of the highest quality.

The feast holds such traditions to this day. Events will be held leading up to the 29th June. The programme of the events begins on Saturday the 21st of June with a parade in Rabat involving The Agrarian Society of Malta, followed by exhibitions of animals and their associated prizes throughout the week.

On the 28th of June, the eve of ‘L-Imnarja’, a parade of ‘karrettuni’ and ‘karozzini’ (carts and carriages) will take place from Saqqajja Hill to Buskett, followed by several exhibitions all around Buskett, displaying a variety of agricultural machinery and produce. Traditional games will also be held that evening, followed by traditional music, dancing and Maltese ‘għana’.

The 29th of June promises much of the same, starting early in the morning at 6am and continuing till midday.

The ‘Imnarja’ feast is one of the oldest in Maltese history, and such an event can provide attendees with a mirror into some of the country’s customs rarely seen elsewhere, while providing entertainment for the whole family.

Will you be attending the ‘Imnarja’ this year?