The traditional agricultural show, Il-Wirja ta’ Santa Marija, takes place on Thursday and Friday at Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria. The exhibition of animals, agricultural products and crafts, organised by the Agrarian, Industrial and Cultural Society, has been taking place at the garden since 1855, apart from 2010 and 2011 when the gardens were being refurbished.

The show was first organised by a group of local philanthropists and entrepreneurs with the help of the colonial government and the Church authorities. The main aim was to encourage and sustain Gozo’s economic revival.

Eventually, thanks to the enthus-iasm and continual commitment of the organising committee, the show evolved into a comprehensive and extensive agricultural and industrial show.

An average of 4,000 exhibits will be displayed and over 9,000 people usually visit the show.

The show will open to the public on Thursday at 5pm. Gozo Minister Anton Refalo will present trophies to winning exhibits and at 7.30pm there will be a session of Maltese traditional folk singing (għana). The show closes at 11pm.

On Friday the show will reopen at 6.30am. President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca will present trophies to winning exhibits and the show will close at 1pm.

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