MaltaMedia.com

On Saturday 17th October, Ħal Qormi will celebrate the third edition of ‘Lejl f’Casal Fornaro’ (an evening at Casal Fornaro). The village is expected to host a large amount of visitors of all ages for a number of cultural attractions. Due to the popularity of previous editions, the activity will spread across a number of streets, enabling further activities and traditions to be showcased. These include the production of the Maltese loaf and various other products baked in Qormi furnaces, which today are regarded not only as traditional products, but practically as a symbol of the neighbourhood.

This event has qualified from the Cultural Activities Scheme for Local Councils under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Public Dialogue and Information. It is co-ordinated by the Local Council and organised by the St Sebastian Youth Commission. During the launch of the activity, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, the Hon. Chris Said, praised this initiative which brings together over 80 volunteers and which is estimated to attract 25,000 as it did last year.

The event’s organisers are holding a number of interesting art exhibitions and musical entertainment, including the terramaxka, folk singing and local bands. Seven band clubs named after the Knights of St John will come together for the first time and play along the streets of Qormi. Several popular Maltese and Gozitan singers and dancers will be performing, and feast ornaments from various villages, the works of Chev. Michael Camilleri Cauchi, will be displayed. These should prove to be an attraction especially for festa enthusiasts.

The event will also host six street theatre productions inspired by the writings of Maltese authors: George Zammit, George Mifsud Chircop, Joseph Ellul Mercer and Trevor Zahra.

Other attractions include a life-size house of sweets, as well as a huge pudding which will be sold, with the proceeds going to Puttinu Cares. Food stalls will be selling traditional dishes including the ftira from Qormi, rabbit and pork served inside a Maltese loaf and other food linked to the culture of Qormi. A variety of Maltese wines and traditional sweets will also be on sale. A group of bakers from the neighbouring island of Sicily will provide the public with a variety of bread as well.

Anyone walking along the streets of Qormi where the festival is being held will come across exhibitions including a wartime shelter beneath what was the local armoury. One can also see traditional crafts and elderly Qormi people who will exhibit fretwork, metal flower sculptures and lacework.

The football ground and the PAVI shopping complex parking area have been allocated to visitor parking.

The public is being encouraged to wear traditional Maltese costumes for this activity. For more information and a detailed Lejl f’Casal Fornaro programme, one may visit the new website www.casalfornaro.com.