It was like travelling through a “time tunnel” when my husband and I visited the Żejtun Fest on September 26.

The first time tunnel that we travelled through brought us back to the 17th century to receive the blessing of Grandmaster Ramon Perellos who held the celebration of the olive harvest for the peasants.

The second brought us back to the early and mid 20th century and even before, where women were wearing the Għonnella and men wore their “brieret” (caps) and head scarves.

It was our first visit to the Żejtun Olive Fest and it will certainly not be our last. It is one of the finest and most well organised cultural activities that we have seen, besides being historic and educational.

At the Olive Fest, the labour of love and hard work by the people of Żejtun and all involved were felt.

What equally impressed us were the chosen participants in different performances who were natural and who expressed themselves very well in their roles.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced not only by the warm and beautiful decorations and exhibits of yester year but by the live demonstrations by artists and craftsmen and display of the Maltese traditional foods. It was all breathtaking.

A big round of applause should go to the Żejtun local council and to the Żwieten and all involved for the fabulous event and also for keeping the heritage alive.

I took several movies and photos of the event which I uploaded on You Tube and which I humbly share with readers for your viewing pleasure.

Please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m32C6jDfQbU