19th Edition of ‘Żejt iż-Żejtun’ Set For 25th–26th October
The 19th edition of Żejt iż-Żejtun has been launched by the Minister for Culture, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici. The folkloristic celebration, which marks the olive harvest for both brine and oil, will take place on Saturday, 25 October from 7:00 pm onwards and continue on Sunday, 26 October until midday.
Minister Bonnici, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and Żejtun Mayor Joan Agius, inaugurated the festival aimed at celebrating the beauty of Żejtun, Maltese folklore, and promoting interest in both olive cultivation and the production of fine olive oil.
Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli praised the Żejtun Local Council, staff, and all those involved for their dedication and professionalism in organising the festival each year. She highlighted the support provided through local government funding schemes, enabling councils to sustain cultural activities annually.
Mayor Agius described Żejt iż-Żejtun as one of the most eagerly awaited events by residents, bringing families together and celebrating the town’s history and communal values. “This is not only a festival of olives and olive oil, but a celebration of Żejtun’s spirit, its hardworking people, and the heritage and traditions they live every day,” she said, thanking volunteers and residents for their continued commitment.
The festivities begin on Saturday evening with a grand procession led by the Grand Master, accompanied by traditional drummers, dancers, and villagers carrying olives to the steps of the parish church of St Catherine V.M. After the reading of the proclamation, the harvest is blessed with joyful bell-ringing. The event continues with presentations on olive tree varieties, demonstrations of olive pressing, and the serving of freshly pressed oil with traditional olive-flavoured pastries. In addition to pure olive oil, visitors can purchase honey rings, Maltese bread pudding, qassatat, carob syrup, and recipe books featuring olive oil.
All activities take place in a vibrant atmosphere filled with folk music, dancing, Maltese crafts, and the sale of olive trees and agricultural products. During the festival, St Catherine’s Parish Church, the Oratory, the Canonry, and the Parish Hall—home to the famous painting of the beheading of St Catherine—will be open to the public. Visitors may also explore the band clubs of Żejtun and Beland, hosting exhibitions connected to the town’s heritage.
The celebration continues on Sunday morning from 8:00 am with the blessing of animals in Żwieten Garden (St Gregory’s Garden), featuring an exhibition of donkeys and sheep, traditional children’s games, music, and market stalls.
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