Feeding 3,000 in Vittoriosa

The record-breaking pot capable of feeding 5,000 mouths arrived in Malta yesterday morning to kick off the Birgufest activities this evening.

The pentolone, a gargantuan piece of cooking equipment weighing 520 kilos, was shipped from Varese, Italy last Monday.

It was hoisted into place yesterday afternoon in Pjazza Vittorja - Vittoriosa's main square - aided by a crane and three able bodied men, two of whom are technicians who have been "shipped" specifically to Malta as part of the pentolone's entourage.

The setting down of the huge pot on the stove-like burner, which was set up on a concrete base, caused some commotion in Vittoriosa. It attracted the attention of many locals, who peered from their windows, emerged onto their roofs and balconies or even flocked to the village square.

Master chef Mario Rovizzoli from Varese also accompanied the pot. Chef Rovizzoli will be master of ceremonies tonight in the making of Risotto a la Luganiga, which is a typical dish of the Piedmont region. He will be assisted by 21 students from the Institute of Tourism Studies in their final course year.

The maxi pentolone, which was brought to Malta on the initiative of the private company Execoor, will be the highlight of this year's Birgufest and will ensure that the packed schedule for an entire weekend of events opens with a bang.

Although it can serve up to 5,000 people, the event-organisers aim to feed a total of 3,000. Tonight the portions of risotto will sell for €3, €2 of which will be donated to Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi.

The Birgufest, devised in 1994 by The Malta Tourism Authority and the Vittoriosa Local Council, has been incorporated into the popular Birgu by Candlelight event. This is aimed at enhancing the historical and maritime qualities of the town which will be given a fairy-tale aura for two nights.

The weekend-long events programme will feature historical reenactments, band marches and concerts by Maltese singers. For the occasion, Heritage Malta museums will be open till midnight; tickets to the museums will cost €2 and children under 16 enter for free. There will also be a multisite ticket costing €3.50 with which one will be able visit both the Inquisitor's Palace and the Maritime Museum.

All events and activities of tomorrow morning have been cancelled as a sign of respect for MP Karl Chircop who died on Sunday. The programme will then proceed as usual and resume at midday.