Many consider the first sight of fresh strawberries as the herald of spring. The sun gently warms the fruit, helping release that warm, sweet fragrance.

Large, bright, red strawberries packed in boxes ready for the market become a common sight and here in Malta that can only mean one thing - Festa Frawli is just around the corner.

Happening on Sunday 16th April from 10am to 5pm in the main village square of Mgarr, The Strawberry Festival celebrates the cultivation and harvest of its locally grown strawberries with plenty of stalls selling freshly picked strawberries, strawberry-inspired handcrafted products, and a menu with an endless list of food, cakes, pastries, and beverages made with the best strawberries available.

The flavour combinations of artisan local products and strawberries prepared by local chefs are something everyone must try. And to top it off, one can find a huge strawberry dessert that will be offered to visitors on a donation basis. Local entertainers will be there, creating the best of atmospheres with live music.

There will be guided walking tours every hour, taking visitors around the village of Mgarr whilst pinpointing various interesting spots and enjoying countryside views.

On the day, Heritage Malta will also be doing special guided walks around Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples, with admission tickets being sold at a reduced price.

The strawberry festival is kid-friendly. The local school exhibits the children’s drawings in an informal exhibition. Animators will keep children busy with the many activities taking place on the day.

Getting to Mgarr on the day

Buses 44 and 238 from Valletta or the 101 from Cirkewwa

When buying strawberries

Eat strawberries as they come. Look for fruit that is bright, firm and unblemished, with a fresh green calyx and ideally eat it on the same day. If you wash the fruit, do so very quickly and before you remove the calyx, otherwise water will get into the fruit and destroy the flavour.

Will you be heading over to Mgarr for this year's Festa Frawli?