With the start of spring comes the start of strawberry harvest and that brings one of the most anticipated events of the season.

The 12th edition of the annual Festa Frawli in Mġarr, now renowned for its freshly-grown strawberries, was held on Sunday, again drawing the crowds.

Organised by the Mġarr Evening Commission and the local council, with the help of several volunteers, the festival offered a steady supply of fruit straight from the nearby fields and a range of strawberry-based dishes.

Visitors were offered a whole range of home-made strawberry cakes, pastries, jams and wines as well as novelty dishes such as strawberry ravioli, spring rolls and arancini, all prepared by professional chefs.

For the first time, the festival included a strong heritage element, with organised trail walks and photo hunts exploring the town’s scenic surroundings, including the Għajn Tuffieħa coastline, Binġemma and Ġnejna, as well as historical and archaeological sites.

The megalithic Ta’ Ħaġrat and Skorba temples were open at a reduced price with guided tours in Maltese and English throughout the day.

Apart from the strawberry treats, a full day of entertainment was organised with DJs, bands, Maltese and Gozitan folk dance troupes in attendance. Children and adults could also engage in various activities, from painting to train rides and archery.

A dog gets a taste of the Mġarr strawberries with the help of its owner.