Zejt iz-Zejtun: An annual olive festival 

A mixture between culinary arts and folklore

Zejt iz-Zejtun was an event held in the beautiful traditional Southern town of Zejtun during the 24th and the 25th of September, 2011.  This event was held to commemorate the start of the olive-picking season in the town whose name literally translates to ‘fruit of the olive trees’. The production and cultivation of olives has been flourishing in Zejtun, or Citta Beland, since the 7th century.

Local farmers had the opportunity to display their annual olive harvest on horse carts during Saturday night, while on Sunday morning the local parish organized a traditional blessing of field animals such as horses and cattle.

Traditions and contemporaries come together

Throughout the festival, in different areas around the village, there were different stalls selling olive oil and oil products as well as many other arts and crafts produced by the people residing in Zejtun. An exhibition of agricultural tools and products attracted the attention of many. Obviously food was present as well, and to continue with the olive oil theme, the Maltese ftira biz-zejt featured as one of the most popular dishes.

The festival also included live entertainment, with folk singers and traditional dances that kept the numerous crowds entertained. The Zejt iz-Zejtun festival is organized annually by the Zejtun Local Council, supported by many volunteers living in the town.