Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546020
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 31 JULY 2026 CULTURE Gozo Ceramics Festival opens THE 13th edition of the Gozo Ce- ramics Festival, a unique event for the Maltese Islands, has officially kicked off with the inauguration of the collective ceramic art exhi- bition and the launch of the festi- val by the Minister for Gozo, the Hon. Clint Camilleri. The opening ceremony was held at the beautiful Hall of the Sacred Heart Seminary, where the exhi- bition brings together the work of 42 participating artists. The exhibition, which will run until 2 September, showcases a broad cross-section of ceramic talent, ranging from established veteran artists in their eighties to emerg- ing young artists, including partic- ipants as young as 14. Among the youngest partici- pants is Oliver Wigg, who is taking part in the festival for the fourth time. During the inauguration, Minister Camilleri praised organ- iser Joan Haber and her team for their commitment to providing a platform for new talent and for their contribution to Gozo's cul- tural life. Joan Haber, in turn, thanked the Minister and the Ministry for Gozo for their continued support of artistic talent, cultural heritage and the rich cultural calendar for which Gozo is renowned. In his address, Minister Camill- eri also announced the forthcom- ing Gozo Cultural City initiative for 2030, expressing his hope that the island would continue to host more and larger cultural events of this nature. The collective exhibition offers visitors a fascinating insight into the diversity of ceramic art. The works demonstrate a wide range of hand-building techniques, dif- ferent types of clay with varying properties, diverse firing meth- ods and temperatures, as well as an array of decorative and glazing systems. Many of these techniques will be demonstrated live during the main Gozo Ceramics Festival event on Saturday, 1 August, from 18:30 onwards. The festival will take place in the idyllic setting of Xlendi Bay, which will be fully decorated for the occasion with fire torchlight, flags and ceramic ware. Adding to the magical at- mosphere, a spectacular trail of touch lights will illuminate the route from the church to the bay, transforming the entire area into a captivating celebration of pottery, craftsmanship and culture. The entire festival programme is free of charge. Visitors of all ages, including children, will be invited to participate in various hands- on activities with clay, including throwing on the potter's wheel and hand-painting ceramics. Visitors will also have the oppor- tunity to purchase ceramic works directly from the participating makers, offering a unique chance to meet the artists and acquire original, handmade pieces. One of the evening's highlights will be the spectacular bicy- cle-throwing performances by international pottery showmen Thomas Bernichke from Germa- ny and Davide Brinni from Italy. The festival will also welcome several foreign participants, in- cluding Master Ceramicist Gae- tano Branca and his wife, a potter, as well as Aurelio Talpa, who is no stranger to Malta through his ce- ramic and restoration work. The evening will feature a rich programme of entertainment celebrating local tradition and culture. Visitors will enjoy per- formances by the Mnarja Folk Group, Seguna, and several bands, including a brass band, folk group and traditional dancers, creat- ing a vibrant festive atmosphere throughout the evening. The programme will also include the spectacular Fire Dance by Markology, adding a dramatic visual performance that perfectly complements the festival's unique ambience. A particularly spectacular fea- ture will be the live Raku firing demonstration by Hermine Sam- mut. Raku, known for its dramatic firing process and striking results, will add a spectacular visual di- mension to an already vibrant cel- ebration of ceramics. The Gozo Ceramics Festival continues to grow as a distinctive cultural event, celebrating crea- tivity, craftsmanship, artistic ex- change and the enduring cultural The collective exhibition offers visitors a fascinating insight into the diversity of ceramic art The Gozo Ceramics Festival continues to grow as a distinctive cultural event, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, artistic exchange and the enduring cultural heritage of Gozo