This year, The Malta International Fish Fest 2023 will be organized again, a festival that celebrates Maltese and Gozitan traditions related to fishing. This was announced by the Minister for Tourism, Clayton Bartolo and the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said.
It was explained that this year’s edition will have a wider and more international perspective than previous editions as it will be spread over two different dates, in two different localities known for fishing. Like the previous editions, during the Malta International Fish Fest there will be fish sales, as well as cooking and promotion of traditional fish that are caught in local waters, such as sea bass, aurat, tuna, lampuki, mazzoli and ray.
The Xlukkajra and Mellieħa community will also participate through a number of informative and educational stands, while those who attend can enjoy free entertainment for children, as well as an evening of music for people of all ages. During this year’s edition, a number of awards will be given to celebrate the fishermen, who during these last months have played an important role in the promotion and strengthening of this sector.
Minister Clayton Bartolo said, “Everything related to the sea and aquaculture was, still is and must remain an integral part of the Maltese tourist product. Our priorities must be to preserve the skills of our fishermen and the history of this sector. Because when you have healthy aquaculture, the product in hotels, restaurants and everyone who directly or indirectly contributes to the tourism sector is strengthened.”
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that, “fishing is part of the identity and history of our country. Through this festival, we are celebrating the work of the fishermen who, be it rain or storm, go outside our shores to earn their living and to provide food on our plates. This is also an opportunity to increase more knowledge about the different species of fish that our country offers. Therefore I encourage the whole family to attend these types of activities so that together we can recognize the work of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen.”
The Malta International Fish Fest will be staged on Saturday, September 30, at Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk and on Sunday, October 1, in Mellieħa, in the area near the Museum of Tuna.
