Żejtun will soon be celebrating the start of the olive-picking season and pressing of oil through its annual festival, aptly called Żejt iż-Żejtun – to be held on Saturday – which celebrates a revived rural heritage closely associated with the southeast of Malta.

In Punic/Roman times Malta was renowned for its olive oil, a basic staple product in that era. In those days olive oil was required for use in almost all routine daily chores. Hence in late summer, when stocks were very low, the newly pressed oil was eagerly expected.

The southeast of Malta, where the rising sun matures agricultural products early in the season, was a well known zone for olive tree cultivation and olive pressing. The archeological site in Żejtun of the Domus Romana provides clear evidence of this agro industry back then. This area, which up until the early 17th century formed an integral part of Żejtun, was close to the active Roman harbour in inner Marsaxlokk bay.

The focal point of the festivity is the blessing of olives carted or carried by local farmers, followed by pressing and free tasting of Maltese ftajjar dressed in freshly pressed olive oil. All this occurs amid folk music, singing and dancing.

Drummers and flag bearers will provide a colourful background for several re-enactments. All places of interest will be open to visitors, with special attractions such as: the Beheading of St Catherine, whose design is attributed to Caravaggio – exhibited at the new parish museum; the old parish church which doubled as a watch tower where the secret corridor for sentinels is a tourist attraction; a Maltese version of the Commedia dell’Arte in the lower village; folk at the open space of St Mary’s chapel in the upper village; and an organ recital at the parish church.

The celebration starts at 7.30pm. A park-and-ride service will be available on Saturday from 7pm to midnight from Bulebel Industrial Estate near Inspire. Ample parking space will be provided in Żejtun itself.