A sure sign that spring has arrived in Malta is the annual Festa Frawli (Strawberry Festival) - a unique celebration of Maltese agricultural heritage in Mgarr.
Strawberries, strawberries & more strawberries!
Now in its 12th year and taking place this Sunday 8th April from 10am to 5pm, the annual Strawberry Festival is hugely popular amongst the locals. Each year, it takes place in the picturesque main square outside the Parish Church in Mgarr - an agricultural village surrounded by lush green valleys on the north side of the island. Renowned for their crazy sweet and robust strawberries, the local farmers pick, prepare and pack thousands of strawberries to get ready for the big event.
A constant supply of freshly picked strawberries will be on sale throughout the day, ferried regularly to the square by the farmers themselves. A wide variety of desserts, snacks and beverages will be available in the open air kitchen, all made with fresh Mgarr strawberries. A second open air kitchen will be offering typical Maltese dishes.
Professional chefs will also be preparing novelty strawberry-based gourmet dishes such as ravioli, arancini, spring rolls and a wide variety of pastries. Homemade strawberry wine, jams, conserves and other typical products will also be on sale. Souvenirs, artworks and crafts will be exhibited by the craftsmen themselves.
Live entertainment
It doesn't stop there! Maltese artists will perform folk and ethnic music using traditional instruments, while folk dance troupes will provide entertainment for this unique celebration of Maltese agricultural heritage.
Special activities will also take place throughout the day, including a photo hunt (a strawberry photography competition) and a painting competition, train rides, archery and fun games for the kids, organised by a dedicated team of animators.
Explore Mgarr
While there, we definitely recommend exploring the village and surrounding area, which is rich in nature; plateaus, cliff landscapes, beaches and typical Mediterranean terrain. This year, trail walks and photo hunts will be organised for visitors to experience the rustic surroundings that embrace several scenic spots linking various sites of immense archaeological, historical and natural value, such as Bingemma and the coastline extending from Ghajn Tuffieha Bay to Gnejna. Apart from this, the Ta’ Hagrat and Skorba Temples will also be open at a discounted price by special concession of Heritage Malta, so its definitely worth trying to squeeze in a visit!
How to get there
Catch bus numbers 44 and 238 from Valletta and 101 Cirkewwa throughout the entire day. A Park and Ride shuttle service will be provided from the open-air gym at Ta’ Qali and parking areas in nearby fields will be organised to facilitate accessibility.
This event is organised by the Imgarr Local Council and 'Kummissjoni Lejla Mgarrija' with the help of hundreds of volunteers. More information here.