Video - 'Risottata' held despite the rain (updated)

Continuous rain this evening kept many people away from the opening night of the BirguFest, with only a few hundreds turning up for what had been a much anticipated Risotto a la Luganiga cooked in the biggest pot in the world.

The pot is big enough to serve 5,000, but the organisers had been aiming to feed 3,000 before the weather dictated otherwise. They bravely carried on, however, although other events including band marches had to be cancelled.

Jonathan Muscat and John Galea, from Execoor, the partnership which organised this event, said the risottata was still a 'huge success' and a total of 1,991 plates were served, raising funds for Dar tal-Providenza.

In the morning the narrow streets of Vittoriosa were alive with the banter of hundreds of school children who were taken around the attractions of the old town and toured some of the museums. Various historic re-enactments were presented.

Activities continue on Saturday night with Birgu by Candlelight.