Agricultural heaven at Gozo's Villa Rundle

The gardens at Villa Rundle have been transformed into agricultural heaven for two days, with animals, fruit, vegetables and crafts on exhibit during the 150th Gozo Agriculture and Industrial Show.

There are around 3,400 items on display. The show opened to the public yesterday afternoon, although it is expected to reach its pinnacle today when animals ranging from horses to dogs will strut their stuff to garner points, and a possible trophy, for their owners.

Yesterday was D-day for birds, poultry and rabbits, as well as fruit, vegetables and crafts, which were judged in a laborious process that took up most of the morning.

The crowing of cocks could be heard across the gardens as the proud creatures ruffled their feathers in what seemed to be direct competition with each other.

The rabbits were more subdued but one or two tried to bolt as soon as they were taken out of their cages for inspection. The judges' expert hands stopped them in their tracks and they went back into their cages leaving tufts of fur flying in the air.

Despite the shade offered by the tight-knit trees, the owners were not taking any chances. Cardboard was placed on the cages to offer shade to their beloved animals.

Although one would not expect to find exotic creatures in a true Gozitan show, there were two ostriches and two emus on display. The ostriches are funny creatures. They crane their long necks and look straight at you with their big eyes. Then they come towards you, balancing themselves extremely well for such tall creatures, as if challenging you to battle.

Godwin Vella, one of the organisers, said this was the first year the ostriches were taking part in the annual show, which is the biggest of its kind in the Maltese islands.

Another foreign touch is an Italian exhibitor who has a stand displaying oil, wine and bread.

The show dates back to 1855 and has been missed on only four occasions. It was cancelled between 1940 and 1942 because of the war and again in 1975 due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

What started as a small fair held in school grounds today attracts about 10,000 people over two days. Mr Vella explained that the fair started being held at the Vairinga school in Rabat but by 1936 the school grounds had become too small for it, so the bigger animals were moved to Villa Rundle. However, the two fairs were re-emerged in 1943 at this location.

Gozo bishop Nikol Cauchi officially opened the exhibition in the presence of Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono.

Mrs Debono said the fair was important because it attracted people to Gozo.