4th Malta International Folk Festival This Weekend
Every year in the latter half of September (at least for the last few years), Malta welcomes folk groups and folk enthusiasts for its international folklore festival. The celebrations span three days and offer folk performances and parades across the island, with a roster of dance/musical acts from all over Europe. The event is organised by EuroArt Production and Leon Promotions, with the aim of encouraging cultural exchange.
This year, the 4th instalment of the festival will be held in three different cities and welcome folk groups from 9 different European countries. The three-day event will kick off this Friday at 5:30pm with the inaugural parade in Valletta. The parade will begin at Triton Fountain and conclude at Great Siege Square with short displays by each group, who will be accompanied by the 1st Cospicua Scout Group, as well as Italian brass band Banda D’Ottoni Della Comunita degli Italiani di Buie.
The next day, head to Żejtun at 7:30pm for another parade as part of Żejt iż-Żejtun. All the groups will once again assemble for another parade, followed by stage performances from each group in the Żejtun town square next to St Gregory Church. Plus, you get to taste as much olive oil-dipped bread as you want.
The last day of the festivities will take place in St. Paul’s Bay at 5:30pm, where attendees will be treated to one final parade as part of the Destination North festival. The parade will culminate into another set of performances in Trunċiera Street.
Now I get that banjo music isn’t exactly everyone’s thing, but this festival is worth attending at least for one day. Between the performing folk acts and the colourful clothes they don, the chosen cities/towns are transformed into a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
Not to mention, entrance is free of charge. You don’t even need to book a ticket – all you have to do is show up!
