Constantly with the people

Justyne Caruana Programmes such as this provide the opportunity for an exchange of ideas between local and international artists, due to the range of artists working together on different projects.

We are committed to continue working towards a versatile and varied culture calendar to attract diverse audiences. This will also serve to improve the tourism product and create a platform for both local and foreign artists through various types of assistance provided by the Gozo Ministry. We have to ensure that Gozo is also part of the activities being prepared for Valletta 18 and, in fact, the activity at the Artists’ Residency Programme can be considered an important part of the V18 legacy for Gozo.

Qala and Xag]ra

The three-day Qala International Folk Festival, organised by Qala Local Council and the Qala Menħir Folk Group, is being held this weekend. The festival is a firm favourite on Gozo’s cultural calendar, with the picturesque village of Qala being transformed into a hub of folk activities that give an insight into how our forefathers thought and lived in these islands and elsewhere. Folk groups from other countries are our guests during this weekend and are participating in this intercultural programme which, every year, attracts more residents and visitors due to the quality of its entertainment.

Another successful event was the Figs Festival organised by Xagħra Local Council last week. The fig tree is synonymous with the Mediterranean environment and the government’s experimental farm in Xewkija is ensuring that the endemic fig tree continues to flourish on the islands. The Gozo Ministry plans to implement new initiatives in Gozo such as solar sensitisation and new cultivation methods in order that farming can continue to progress, as well as an information and assistance service to help Gozitan farmers overcome challenges and improve their produce.

Dialogue and its benefits

Meaningful dialogue bears fruit and in many cases can lead to positive initiatives for posterity. I must congratulate Wirt Għawdex for its restoration of the mediaeval chapel dedicated to St Cecilia and Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, in line with a management agreement with the Gozo Ministry. Both places will be open to the public this weekend.

Gozo has a wealth of history and culture that brings past generations closer to modern appraisal in a way that links today’s community with its origins. Restoring past glories and celebrating past and present artistic talents is another way of bringing people to better appreciate the rich social texture of which the Gozitan community is made.