The second edition of the Agriculture and Trades Festival, 'Trades of our Fathers', is being held in the Bingemma Valley, Mgarr, on July 8 from 5:30 p.m.

The event is the brainchild of a young farmer who has Maltese, particularly Mgarr agricultural traditions dear at heart.

After months of research, interviewing several farmers who have firsthand knowledge of old industrial agricultural methods and traditions, he rallied the local drama company, the youth committee, his fellow farmers and the local council to organise the festival to showcase and revive the rural Mgarr traditions and folklore. 

He gathered a collection of tools and machinery - from private collections and former owners - which will be displayed in the festival, complete with extensive information on their origin and purpose. 

These include a newly restored, fully operational wheat thresher which will be used throughout the event.

Several artisans and craftsmen will be working at their trade and exhibiting, as well as selling their work in various stands.

These will include sheep wool weaving, lace, handmade fishing nets, wicker baskets, typical Maltese fruit conserves, jams and confectionery.

The main feature of this festival is a meticulously accurate large scale re-enactment of the Maltese ‘qiegha’, the harvesting, winnowing and threshing of wheat by hand in the wheat fields. 

Several farmers and actors in period costumes will be taking part in the qiegha using authentic tools and Maltese farm animals - donkeys, cows and an ox.

Other facets of life in Mgarr in yesteryear will be re-enacted; sheep and goats will be shepherded among the crowd, with milking and cheeselet making.

Children's games using makeshift toys typical of that era, tending of farm animals and beekeeping will also be showcased. 

A full apiculture stand, with several hives, equipment, illustrative charts and authentic Mgarr honey; labelled by season and type, will be available.

Visitors will be encouraged to participate in the re-enactments, and try their hand at ploughing, wheat threshing and other activities.

The festival will come to an end with four traditional Maltese singers and a skewered pig dinner made with a traditional rural recipe.

Roast chicken, as well as Maltese snacks and children's food and wine will be available.