MaltaToday previous editions

MT 29 May 2016

Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/685221

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 38 of 67

maltatoday, SUNDAY, 29 MAY 2016 39 WITH the coming of the 'Age of Steam' the need of harvesting cot- ton, a commodity required in the making and in the repair of ship's sails, was no longer vital. With over 150,000 servicemen stationed on the island in addition to a Maltese population, the need of finding an alternative agricul- tural substitute came about. In the Governor General's gar- den at Qrendi, also known as 'Ġnien tal-Kmand', a walled gar- den constructed during the term of office of Sir Alexander Ball, was where early experimentation on various potato seeds was carried out on different potato species. The garden, as well as the rich soil of the locality, proved to be the ideal ingredient and has to- day become a major income for Maltese agriculturale. The 'Malta potato' is known for its distinctive taste, the pride of our nation. A potato crop is imported as a seed from the Netherlands, cared with dedication, and nourished with bright and warm sunshine. The location of the Qrendi fields with their rich reddish soil and sheltered from the elements by an abundance of carob trees and stone rubble walls, help in giving the potato its rich taste and distinctive flavour. With a strong yearly harvest of the potato crop from the village's surround, the village of Qrendi proudly has been acclaimed as the 'Maltese Capital of Potatoes'. The title that has seen the community proudly organising its annual, 'Potato and Agrar- ian Festival', a festival evolving around the potato harvest and incorporating agriculture, herit- age, folklore, music and the arts in total harmony. This year's festi- val, now in its fifth edition, will be taking place on June 5 at Misraħ il-Maqluba in Qrendi, from 08:00 onwards. THE Valletta 2018 Foundation has launched details for the Val- letta Pageant of the Seas, a unique spectacle taking place in the Grand Harbour on June 7. The event forms part of the Val- letta 2018 festivities to mark the 450th anniversary since Valletta's foundation. The Valletta Pageant of the Seas is set against the back- drop of the Grand Harbour, and the show will include: numerous regatta boats, power boats, yachts and carnival floats, amongst others. The activities start from 18:00. Valletta 2018 Chairman Jason Mi- callef said, "The Valletta Pageant of the Seas is a large spectacle which includes the participation of hun- dreds of talented people coming from different backgrounds such as sports clubs, philanthropic entities, local councils, as well as artist, both local and international. This spec- tacle for the whole family, which is taking place on the public holiday of June 7, will leave an impact dur- ing the Valletta 2018 Foundation's journey towards the European Capital of Culture year in 2018. Micallef thanked the Valletta 2018 volunteers Tal-Kultura for all their hard work to ensure that the Valletta Pageant of the Seas will be a resounding success. Over 200 vol- unteers applied to become part of the unforgettable experience. The Artistic Director for Special Events Mario Philip Azzopardi said, "This is an opportunity for all Maltese to come together as one nation to remember our history and culture while also celebrating our present and future. This will be a celebration for the whole family to enjoy." The Valletta Pageant of the Seas will kick off with the Għawma Toni Bajada, a large swimming activity involving hundreds of people cross- ing from Fort St Angelo in Birgu to the Old Fisheries at Ta' Liesse in Valletta. Those interested in partic- ipating can register online – http:// ghawmatonibajada.puttinucares. org/ –against a donation of €10. A regatta show will take place fol- lowed by a boat race with a unique twist. Various groups from around Malta and Gozo will participate in Tellieqa Telliqun, which sees peo- ple creating marine vessels from various materials, including recy- cled items and racing them across the Grand Harbour without the use of motors or oars. The festivities will culminate with a show of sailing boats accompa- nied by the Fernandes, which will be taking centre stage. Carnival floats will also float on water for the very first time in the Grand Harbour as winning carnival floats from this year's carnival make their way across the Grand Harbour. UK-based outdoor events organ- isers Walk the Plank will be the highlight of the night with a stunt and pyrotechnics show. Bands will also be performing music for the crowds. The Valletta Pageant of the Seas is being supported by a number of Valletta 2018 partners includ- ing: Arts Council Malta, Captain Morgan Cruises, Yachting Malta, Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta, Walk the Plank, the Malta Film Commission and Heritage Malta This Week V18 unveils the Pageant of the Seas Pride of the nation: Qrendi prepares for its festival The Potato and Agrarian Festival will return to Qrendi on June 5

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of MaltaToday previous editions - MT 29 May 2016