Pumpkin's own day in Manikata

The pumpkin, one of the main protagonists of Halloween, celebrated yesterday, was again the centre of attention in Manikata, where a pumpkin fair was held for the second year running.

Organised by Koperattiva Rurali Manikata (KRM) Ltd in cooperation with the Parish of St Joseph of Manikata, the Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) and the Mellieħa council, the activity gathered locals and others who met to eat pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie.

The pumpkin, which grows abundantly in the fields around Manikata, is harvested in August, but keeps for several months because of its thick peel.

People visiting Manikata were able to buy fresh pumpkins and a variety of food made from this ingredient, including cakes.

There was also a large selection of typical local food items, including sun dried tomatoes, carob syrup, honey, olive oil and different fruit jams all produced by the local community.

Entertainment included the folkloristic Gozitan group il-Kabozza, a rock folk musical - Ġaħan u l-Qargħa Ħamra, written and directed by Lino Farrugia from ITS, and dancing by the local youths with the choreography of Mellieħa dancer Corinne Turner.