Have you ever heard of a strawberry festival? If not, you’ve come to the right place!

In this post, I, Mikki, will introduce you to a delightful tradition that takes place every year in Malta: the annual strawberry festival, Festa Frawli.

Let’s dive into this sweet celebration, dear readers.

What Makes Maltese Strawberries So Special?

You are truly missing out if you have never tried Maltese strawberries! Renowned for their exceptional flavour, these strawberries are extremely delicious. 

So, what is the secret? Planted in October, Maltese strawberries begin producing fruit about six months later. As the weather heats up, they become riper and even more flavourful. 

In addition to their delightful taste, Maltese strawberries are also highly nutritious.

The Maltese Word for Strawberry

“Frawla,” the Maltese word for strawberry, was first documented in dictionaries in the 1760s. 

Later research has shown that strawberries have historically flourished in Mgarr, with peak abundance in April and May (Jillian Malia, 2019).

Mgarr: The Ultimate Spot for Malta’s Strawberry Festival

Maltese strawberries are primarily grown in the small village of Mgarr, renowned for its lush green fields. 

In January, when the weather is relatively stable, the strawberries are collected every fortnight. As the weather warms up, they are harvested more frequently, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, delicious fruit. 

I love these strawberries, especially with milk and a bit of sugar. If you haven’t tried this combination, you are in for a treat! For me, this is the taste of summer. In Denmark, where we are also blessed with amazing strawberries, this is a common tradition. 

When I later tried Maltese strawberries with milk and sugar, I was amazed by how delicious it was. Give it a try!

Festa Frawli: A Unique Maltese Tradition to Savour

The annual Festa Frawli stands out as one of the most anticipated and delectable events on the Maltese calendar. 

This vibrant celebration unites local farmers, professional chefs, artists, craftsmen, and musicians in a joyful gathering. It’s a sweet tradition eagerly awaited by friends, families, and food enthusiasts alike.

My First Strawberry Festival: An Unforgettable Experience in Mgarr

This year marked my first visit to Festa Frawli, accompanied by Andy and a mutual friend. 

Having visited Mgarr primarily for its local cuisine, I’ve always cherished the village’s authentic atmosphere. It stands out as one of the quieter spots I’ve encountered in Malta, exuding a calm charm. 

The beauty of Mgarr was further accentuated by the festival’s presence, lending it an extra touch of allure. 

As we strolled through its picturesque streets, the significance of the festival became immediately apparent. Even the children had contributed to the festivities with adorable drawings of strawberries, adding to the enchantment of the event.

Local Artisans at Festa Frawli: The Art of Maltese Honeycraft

During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting a local craftsman who specialises in products featuring Maltese honey. Speaking of which, don’t forget to add Maltese honey to your list of must-try items while visiting Malta. It is AMAZING! 

Beekeeping holds a special place in Maltese culture, with locals taking great pride in producing high-quality honey. 

As a side note, Andy purchased beeswax for his beard from this craftsman, and the results have truly been remarkable – his beard has never looked better! Haha. 

Events like these always offer fascinating encounters with locals and their stories. I truly love the eagerness of the Maltese people to share their narratives.

Tasting the Best of Festa Frawli

As we strolled through the streets, we encountered an array of delectable strawberry treats. From refreshing strawberry smoothies to tantalising strawberry mojitos, there was no shortage of culinary delights to sample. 

The festival offered a bunch of options, including snacks, desserts, jams, gourmet dishes, and even strawberry wine!

Despite our eagerness to indulge further, time was unfortunately not on our side, especially as the crowds began to swell. In hindsight, arriving earlier in the morning would have provided a more leisurely experience, avoiding the bustling afternoon rush. 

So, for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, like myself, an early visit is definitely recommended.

Embracing the Unique Vibe

Despite our busy schedule, we made sure to immerse ourselves in the vibrant entertainment of traditional music and folk dance surrounding Mgarr church, which created a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. 

The Maltese have a rich tradition of musical instruments, including iż-żaqq (Maltese bagpipes), it-tambur (Maltese tambourine), and il-flejguta (Maltese folk flute). I find it super cool to witness these cultural elements in action!

It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a Sunday afternoon. 

One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the active participation of children in the festivities. From train rides to painting competitions and more, there were plenty of activities tailored to families, making it a truly inclusive event. 

Festa Frawli caters to a diverse audience, offering something enjoyable for everyone. 

Personally, I feel grateful to have experienced such a unique event in Malta. Prior to this, I had never attended a strawberry festival, but after this lovely experience, I’m certain it won’t be my last.

How to Plan Your Visit to Malta’s Festa Frawli

Would you like to experience the hype? If so, be sure to check the official website or Facebook events around April every year. While the festival only occurs once annually, it’s definitely something worth looking forward to.

Personally, I recommend opting for a cab as public transportation can be quite awful during popular events. Trust me. It takes forever! However, if you’re more patient than I am, you can also catch the bus routes 44 and 238 from Valletta, or 101 from Cirkewwa. 

Don’t forget to visit Festa Frawli and indulge in the deliciousness!

Final Thoughts

Dear readers, we’ve come to an end. I hope you enjoyed my take on the Maltese Strawberry Festival and that it has inspired you to go and explore it yourself. 

Thank you for reading my article, and don’t forget to check the blog frequently! I will soon be presenting more unique events from Malta.

xoxo,
Mikki