Malta’s top fishing village is celebrating its prime produce tomorrow.

Mir-Raħal tas-Sajjieda – Festa Ħut gives visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Maltese culture and appreciate the work done by local fishermen.

The waters surrounding Marsaxlokk are dotted with luzzi, traditional and colourful boats painted in bright shades of blue, red, yellow and green. A pair of eyes is depicted on the boats’ bow symbolising power and good health and believed to offer protection to the fishermen while out at sea.

Early visitors to the village tomorrow can observe freshly caught fish being transferred directly to the market stalls where it will be sold and consumed within hours. In fact, this southeastern port sees most of Malta’s fish supply being brought in, including swordfish, tuna and lampuki (common dolphinfish), used in traditional Maltese dishes such as the lampuki pie.

The festivities start at 6am with the opening of the fish market. At 7am, the first round of fishing competitions will take place around the harbour with the second one scheduled for 2pm. Both competitions follow a catch and release policy.

Those wishing to tour the fish farms can do so at 10am while traditional entertainment including għana (music) and folk dancing will start at 1pm.

During the day, the public can visit stands promoting tropical fish and tools used by the fishing industry. One can learn about the traditional herbs used in cooking Maltese fish dishes. A boat trip around the harbour is also in the programme as are traditional games for children.

The fish fest will unfold along the Marsa­xlokk promenade and is set to end at 6pm.

The event is being organised by the Marsaxlokk Local Council in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government.

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