Citrus festival at San Anton Palace gardens

A citrus festival is being held at San Anton Palace on Sunday, giving the public the opportunity to visit the garden where oranges are grown and raising funds for Haiti earthquake victims.

Food, including rice with oranges and pumpkin and orange soup, will be prepared by students and staff from Institute of Tourism Studies, who will also prepare cakes and biscuits.

The Lija, Balzan and Attard councils will each have a stand from where to sell citrus products.

Citrus drinks are being prepared by Frott Artna and the Palace kitchen staff will prepare the traditional hobz biz-zejt, tea, coffee and lemon and orange cakes.

The Palace gardens boast more than 500 citrus trees, including a number of different species of oranges.

During the day, the public will also have access to part of the private garden. There will be face painting and other activities for children. Mass will close the activities at 4 p.m.

The Citrus Feast is being held with the assistance of the Rural Affairs Ministry’s Naturalment Malti campaign.

It is the first of a series to be organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund this year. All proceeds from the day will go to the Haiti earthquake victims.