The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said, officially opened the activities in connection with the public and traditional festival of Imnarja.
This year during the opening of this edition the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono was also present. The official opening took place exactly after the parade of carts and carriages from Saqqajja to Buskett. The activities will see that they continue to promote everything that is woven into the Maltese culture and that is associated with this festival. Among others we find the fruits and vegetables of the farmers, the crafts, the livestock of the Maltese and Gozitan villagers, the traditional games and food, and even the riches.
Minister Anton Refalo described the Imnarja festival as a local showcase. “This is an important festival in the Maltese cultural calendar and even the biggest agrarian festival of the year, which is a mirror of the courage of the Maltese and Gozitan villagers and farmers. This festival is another opportunity to continue to promote the agricultural sector and the local product, and in this way we continue to reach our goal of supporting Maltese and Gozitan farmers and villagers.” Here the Minister also listed the work carried out by the Government in this area, including the Reform of the Tribes, the financial schemes to alleviate the burdens brought by the international scene, and millions of ‘ euro in European funds obtained and allocated, from which farmers and villagers, among them young ones, are enjoying.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said spoke about the importance of platforms like this one in Imnarja which allows visitors to taste the goodness of the local products offered by Maltese and Gozitan farmers and villagers. “The work of the Maltese and Gozitan farmers and villagers allows us citizens to have a fresh, genuine, and very good quality product. Therefore we should not only appreciate this work that is done, but make use of it in order to encourage more work in the sector,” added the Parliamentary Secretary. She closed by thanking all the organizers and invited everyone who wants to come and enjoy the food, traditions, and even the animal competitions, to visit this party together with his family.
On Imnarja Day in Buskett there will be many competitions and exhibitions, games and traditional food, singing, dancing and singing, a photo corner linked to the traditional theme of Imnarja and even prizes will be awarded.
