Valletta Local Food Festival Returns for Second Edition this week
Last year, the first ever Valletta Local Food Festival was launched by Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government. The festival was created with the aim of instilling pride and appreciation for the cultural value of food within the Maltese community. Now that October has finally rolled around, the second edition is on its way! This Thursday October 5 will kick off three days of exciting events that’ll prove Maltese gastronomy has more to offer than just ġbejniet and pastizzi (although we still love them).
The festival is organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency, who gathers local food manufacturers, ardent chefs, and culinary enthusiasts to ptartake in the celebrations. This year’s instalment promises a variety of quintessential and deletable Maltese dishes, including traditional ravioli, pork rotisserie and such delicious pastries as cannoli and of course imqaret. What’s more, you can watch live cooking demonstrations and get insight into the cooking of qassatat tal-ħelu, kwawreżimal and other sweet treats. These demonstrations will be hosted by Renato Briffa, a local composer and lecturer who happens to be an established chef, and only make use of locally sourced ingredients.
Visit either the Valletta Design Cluster’s Courtyard, Roof Garden or the nearby St Charles Street to sample traditionally-produced cheeses, wines, olive oils, chutneys and other artisanal goods. Other handmade products that reflect Valletta’s cultural legacy will also be available for purchase, although I wouldn’t eat the candles. And it doesn’t stop there, the Valletta Cultural Agency has also prepared live music and performances that will create a soothing yet lively ambiance.
Whether you’re Maltese or not, this cocktail of tradition and gastronomy is unmissable. Not just because food is an art form, but also because recipes are remnants of those who walked Valletta’s streets before us. Plus the event is family-friendly and free of charge. So, make sure to head over to the Valletta Design Cluster in Bull street at some point between Thursday 5 October Saturday 7 October. The festivities will be taking place between 6 pm and 11 pm on all three days.
