When you live in a village core close to a lovely square, you have to be prepared for the occasional invasion. Tomorrow, Sunday 5th December, the usually serene St Nicholas Square in Siggiewi, will host the Malta Pork Festival, or Festa tal-Majjal. The event is organised by the Koperattiva ta’ Min Irabbi l-Majjal, a cooperative of 150 producers of Maltese pork. The official bumph says that ‘the activity is being organised to increase the appreciation of genuine Maltese Pork in a cheerful festive atmosphere, an appetising food aroma, music and activities for the whole family’. And if you want to get close to the raw material itself, there are also pig farm visits, with transportation to and from St. Nicholas Square for €1 per person.
Strictly for meat lovers: pork servings at the Pjazza
If you’re a vegetarian, you’re never going to understand these kind of ‘events’ – though in nearby Tuscany, meat festivals are a weekend tradition. If you do eat meat, this is an excuse to roam around my village pjazza and get a glimpse of how farming roots are still strong in this part of the island. There will be speeches, singing, dancing, local luminaries and bell-ringing. Munch porchetta, buy some decent local produce, watch the local folk in their Sunday best and the curious townies, and say hello to St Nicholas in the hub of it all.
If you want more information, access the event’s website in Maltese. Or watch the video below for last year’s edition in Zebbug for a slightly bizarre mix of meat and local talent on display.
Photo: wEnDaLicious