Ħal-Lija’s Citrus Festival returns this Sunday
Ħal-Lija’s annual Citrus Festival returns this Sunday, on January 21. The town’s local council, the organisers of this communal event, have prepared an array of citrus-themed activities that are bound to appeal to everyone! The event will take place between 9 am and 4 pm; Here’s a guide to make sure you get to see it all.
Lots of activities will be held under the gazebo. To start off, Dione Caruana is giving a talk on tree and plant cultivation at 9.15 am. Next, from 10 am to noon, a chef representing the Malta Society of Chefs will prepare food using citrus ingredients, which visitors will even get to taste. Then, from noon to 4 pm, mixologist James Aquilina will make drinks using citrus fruit.
The local council will have its own stand, where oranges will be sold in order to raise funds for the Parish Church Restoration project. Plus, every kid who visits the stand will get some free non-citric, such as apples and bananas. As for the inedible entertainment, there will be a blessing of animals at 10.15, a Catholic tradition occasionally practised here on the islands. From 12 to 2 pm, a Gozitan folklore group will make their way down the streets of Lija.
Those bringing kids need not worry as they simply can’t get bored with all the activities the local council has prepared. The activity corner will feature a bouncy castle, a game of crazy golf, and at 12 pm, a magic show! Moreover, from 10 am to 4 pm, kids can take part in ‘Ġmiel bl-Idejn’, a painting activity for children being held in the square.
If you’re not such a big fan of oranges, there will be various vendors offering other fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers, artisan products, honey, olive oil, spices, nougat, and traditional maltese food/sweets.
So, if your Sunday is free, make sure to check out the Citrus Festival in Transfiguration Square, Lija. It’s a great way to interact with the local community and probably one of the few chances you’ll have to see a bunch of animals get blessed!
