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Annual Activities
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Gharb Local Council organises literary competitions - competitions for the best essays and poems with the Chrismas theme for the students from Gharb. Below are some of the best submissions. |
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GHARB DAY
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Since 1994, the Gharb Local Council has been organising Gharb Day, annually on the 29th August. This day has been chosen by the Council since on 29th August, 1679 Gharb was declared as a parish by Bishop Molina. In this particular day the Council prepares a soiree of culture and entertainment for the residents. One of the activities which has been going on yearly since 1996 is the "Premju Gharb" Award. Each year the Council selects a person who has contributed or made honour to the locality and presents this person with the Premju Gharb Shield on Gharb Day. During the years Premju Gharb has been awarded to the following persons. |
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1996 - Fr Saviour Camilleri |
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1997 - Ex Gharb Archpriest Emiritus A. Borg |
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2000 - Bishop Mons N J Cauchi |
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2002 - Dun Beneditt Camilleri |
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2005 - Mr. Joseph Portelli |
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2006 - Ms. Theresa Cauchi |
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2008 - Fr. Gammarija Cauchi |
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As from 2002 the Council started awarding 'Premju Qlub Generuzi' to a person who committed an act of humanity or generosity towards people in need. This award has been given as follows:- |
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On an initiative of Mayor David Apap the Gharb Local Council introduced the Gharb Gozitan Cultural Award in 2004. This award is presented to a person / group who has made success by its talent The subject which is different every year is chosen by a sub-committee which committee also decides the winner. In these years the award has been given to the following:- |
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2004 - Chorus Urbanus for the success achieved as a choir both locally and abroad. |
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2005 - Mrs. Salvina Muscat for her artistic talent. |
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2006 - Ghaqda Muzikali Vizitazzjoni for the success achieved in just the few years it has been set up |
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2007 - Mr. Mario Camilleri for his guilding works &
Mr. Godwin Cutajar for his restoration works |
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CHRISTMAS
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During Christmas time, the Council in collaboration with the parish priest organises a party for the Locality's children. This activity is very popular and awaited for. This could be proofed from the numerous attendance. Around 120 children attend every year. The yearly program includes a trip around Gozo, mass of thanksgiving and party at the Gharb Primary School Hall. During this party a gift is given to every child. |
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At Christmas time also, the Council together with the village Archpriest pay a visit to the elderly and bedridden, and a food hamper is also presented to every one of them. |
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The Council also decorates the village main square i.e. Pjazza Zjara tal- Madonna with a Christmas Tree and other decorative street lights. In 2006 the Council upgraded its decorations and a part of church street was also decorated. |
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CARNIVAL
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A Carnival Soiree is another activity that the Council organises annually on Carnival Monday. The Council wants to revive Carnival at Gharb since in past years this used to be one of the most popular amongst Gozitan residents. During the Soiree, amongst others there is the Carnival Floats defile, Children's Costumes competitions, the traditional kukkanja game and Il-Maskarat Misterjuz competition where every year a popular person from the village is chosen to disguise himself and the first person who recognises him wins. Various dance companies from government and private schools are also invited to dance. |
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The 'Infiorata' consists of a carpet made of fresh flowers petals and leaves cut in small pieces arranged together to form various thematic designs. The 'Infiorata' is an old Italian tradition, the oldest one originating in 'Gerano' the twinned village of Gharb which is found in the outskirts of Rome Italy. This tradition in Gerano dates back to around the 17th Century. The most particular aspect of the 'Infiorata' held in Gerano is that the period in which it takes place, which is April, lacks from a variety of flowers. The 'Infiorata' in Gerano being the oldest one is recorded with many photos which can be found in the archives where one can find pictures dating back to the war period. Another particularity of this infiorata is that it takes place in the village feast dedicated to the 'Madonna del Cuore' and not like other localities, which takes place in the feast of the Corpus Domini. |
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In 2002, the Gharb Local Council signed a twinning agreement with the Gerano Local Council. Upon signing the agreement cultural and educational exchanges amongst other were held between both villages. In 2003 on an initiative of Mayor Mr. David Apap and with the financial help of the Malta Tourism Authority the Gharb Local Council decided to add the 'Infiorata' as part of the village feast activities. This was held on the church parvis and the design was created by local artists Mr Mario Camilleri Cauchi and his son Ruben Camilleri Cauchi. The preparation was done by local children and youths. This proved to be a success and attracted both locals and tourists. This was also the fist time that such an event was held in our islands. After the success of the first 'Infiorata' in 2003, the Council decided to add this event to its annual cultural calendar and hold it again yearly on the occasion of the village feast. |
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