Gozo village life
I stayed in the lovely village of Gharb in the North West corner of Gozo, Malta. And it just so happened to be their summer festa week during my stay!
Each time I passed through the town square there was always something going on, whether that was erecting a stage and statues around the church, or witnessing a parade with marching band, community feast with local band and a raffle, or a huge balloon drop as an effigie their patron saint is lifted into place onto a huge plinth.
It was a delight to witness such a local event, and not something put on for tourists. It was especially fun to sit down at a vacated table on the perimeter of the feast and watch the families search through their tickets as the raffle winners were announced!
Read more about this unspoilt island here or check out a fantastic concierge service here!
Top Tips for Gharb, Gozo: It is a small village but there are about three restaurants and a fantastic sports bar called Rangers, which has a brilliant roof terrace with views out into the countryside overlooking Ta’ Pinu. They have a simple snack menu but we can massively recommend the pizzas at around 5 Euros each and wine 1.50 Euros for a huge glass.
Other restaurants in Gharb:
Jefferies – small and cozy place but we couldn’t get a table here. Book in advance.
Salvinas – Out of the way and lovely by all accounts but we didn’t make it here.
Plus there is a newly opened Italian restaurant directly opposite Jefferies, but I cannot remember the name of it. They serves excellent T-bone steaks and have a lovely covered terrace out back with little lemon trees.
How exciting! Those kind of meaningful cultural events not catered to tourists are so exciting to witness and be a part of. Great pictures too!
Thanks; the night mode on my camera in not very good though! Has such a lovely time in Gharb, its a very quiet village but nowhere on the island is too far away.
I included this post on my list of top 5 posts in the world this week. You can check it out here: http://pennilesstraveler.com/2013/07/24/in-the-world-this-week-my-favorite-posts/
Great post!!
Thanks so much for including me! I am enjoying checking out your other recommendations too.
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You picked a great time to be there – it must have been a wonderful experience!
Yes was lots of fun. Shame we had to leave before their big town feast and fireworks on the last night. Judging by the warm-up celebrations throughout the week it must have been a blast!