‘Żejt iż-Żejtun’ is a folkloric celebration that coincides with the olive harvest, both for pickling and pressing. This year’s ‘Żejt iż-Żejtun’, now in its 19th edition, will take place on Saturday, 25 October from 7.00pm onwards and on Sunday 26 October until noon.
The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and the Mayor of the Żejtun Local Council Joan Agius launched this folkloric festival which aims to celebrate the beauty of Żejtun, Maltese folklore and also to continue to increase interest in both the cultivation of the tree and in healthy olive oil.
Minister Owen Bonnici expressed his satisfaction that Żejt iż-Żejtun will be held again for another edition and said that this is an activity that has now become an important part of our country’s annual cultural calendar. He reiterated that it is wonderful to see Żejtun bringing together artists, tradition and community in a celebration of Maltese identity. “With these initiatives we continue to shape and enhance what makes us Maltese,” concluded Minister Bonnici.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli praised the Żejtun Local Council, its workers and all those involved for their commitment, who every year with great enthusiasm and professionalism stage this wonderful cultural activity. She stated that through funding schemes issued by the Local Government Division, there is support so that local councils can continue to stage cultural activities year after year.
The Mayor of Żejtun, Joan Agius, said, “Żejtun Oil remains one of the most anticipated occasions for residents, as it brings families together, tells the story of the city and reminds everyone of the community values it embraces. “This is not just a festival of oil and olives, but a celebration of the spirit of Żejtun, of hardworking people, of heritage and tradition that they live by every day,” said the Mayor, while thanking the volunteers and residents for their commitment.
This event opens on Saturday at 7.00pm with the Grandmaster’s procession accompanied by drummers, drummers, dancers and the gathering of villagers carrying olives to the parvis of the archpriestly church of Santa Katarina VM. After the reading of the bandu, the baskets of olives are blessed to the joyful ringing of the bells. This event continues with a presentation on the variety of the olive tree. Olive pressing will also take place and fresh oil will be served with olive-flavored flatbreads. In addition to pure oil, there will be honey jam, Maltese bread pudding, qassatat, carob syrup and books with special recipes based on olive oil for sale.
All of this will take place in a festive atmosphere with folkloric singing and dancing, Maltese crafts and handicrafts, and there will also be olive trees and agricultural products for sale.
During this event, the Parish Church of St. Catherine VM, the Oratory, the Canary and the Parish Hall, where the famous painting of the beheading of St. Catherine is exhibited, will be open to the public. Visits can also be made to the Żejtun and Beland band clubs with interesting exhibitions related to Żejtun.
This feast continues on Sunday morning from 8:00am onwards, where the blessing of the animals will take place in Ġnien l-Għannejja Żwieten (Ġnien San Girgor), where there will be a goat and sheep exhibition, għana, traditional children’s games and stalls.
Source: Ministry of Culture
