This morning, a mass and celebration of the blessing of fishing boats and vessels was held in Marsaxlokk in preparation for the lampuki season. The ceremony, led by Canon Dun Roderick Baldacchino, remains one of the main traditions of the fishing community and marks the beginning of an important season for Maltese and Gozitan fishermen.
The activity was attended by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply, Anton Refalo, together with fishermen, their families, representatives of the fishing sector and members of the Marsaxlokk community.
In recent weeks, fishermen have completed their preparations for the season, including the preparation of palm frond trellises. This traditional technique, developed by Maltese and Gozitan fishermen, is used to attract lampuka, which seeks the shade of the trellises while staying close to the surface of the deep sea. As part of the ongoing support to the sector, the Government has also distributed the palm fronds needed for these preparations.
The lampuki season officially begins on August 15, according to European regulations based on the recommendations of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and continues until the end of the year. Before the opening of the season, boats and vessels are equipped with trellises, stones, palms and ropes which are placed in positions allocated by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Minister Anton Refalo said that, “This tradition reminds us of the value of our fishermen and the contribution they make every day to the economy, food security and maritime identity of our country. The Government will continue to be close to the sector to ensure that this tradition remains strong, sustainable and continues to be passed on from one generation to the next.”
Lampuka remains one of the most anticipated fishing products by Maltese and Gozitan families during the summer months, while its season continues to strengthen both Malta’s gastronomic and cultural heritage.
