The first Malta International Folk Festival is being held this week. Organised by Reġjun Tramuntana and coordinated by Leon Promotions (Malta) and Euro Art (Italy), the festival will see a number of international folk groups performing across the northern region.

These include groups from Austria, Ghana, Sardegna, Sicily, Spain and Turkey. Local groups include Malta’s Paul Curmi Dancers and Skald Band, Gozo’s Menhir Qala Folk Group, Ta’ Ciangura Folk Group, the Mnarja Folk Group, Aurora Folk Group and Astra Folk Group.

Gioiosa Marea Gruppo Folk Meliuso of Sicily

The festival kicks off this evening with performances at the Swieqi Council public garden  from at 7.30pm onwards.

The folk celebration will continue tomorrow at Misraħ Ġuże Abela in Dingli, where performances will start at 6.30pm.

On Saturday, all groups will converge in Buġibba square at 7pm, while on Sunday morning activities will start with a parade in Pembroke Gardens at 9.30am.

The festival comes to an end on Sunday evening in Mġarr, with folk groups performing on the church parvis at 6.30pm.

The festival will run from tonight until Sunday. For more information and a detailed programme, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Menhir Qala Folk Group