QORMI is the third largest town on Malta, having around 16,500 residents out of 500,000 (round figer) living on these islands. Because of its low-lying position near Grand Harbour, Qormi played a distinct role throughout its history. In fact, in the Middle Ages, parts of Hamrun, Marsa and also Valletta depended on Qormi as an administrative and parish centre.

Qormi has been known as the centre of bread-making since the time of the Knights of Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem. They named it `Casal Fornaro', (the bakers' village) being the place from where they obtained their bread supplies due to its numerous bakeries, and it is still today known for its baking industry. Modern Qormi carries on the tradition as the centre of the Islands' baking industry. The town today has both residential and light industrial areas, but the town's core is still characterised by alleys and narrow streets.



THE 3RD EDITION of ‘Lejl f’Casal Fornaro’ is going to be held on October 17th, 2009. This will be held along various streets around Qormi, where one can find a variety of traditional and modern bakeries. The aim behind this activity is to promote the locality and its traditions, which include traditional bakeries and the Maltese loaf. The main organisers are the ‘Kummissjoni Żgħażagħ Bastjaniżi’. However, farmers and a great number of artists, singers and folkloristic groups from around Malta and Gozo, are involved. There will be various art, photography exhibitions and traditional crafts, such as the baking of Maltese bread and the making of different carts and ‘karozzini’.

The main attraction of the night will be a number of old bakeries which will be open for the public for this occasion. An underground shelter, beneath the Police station will also be open. Street drama is inspired from the Maltese literature and its folklore. There will be LIVE music and singing in the Maltese language. Presenters at various stages during the event will highlight the importance of dialect in the Maltese language. A number of associations, such as the Pinto Philharmonic Society, sport and pyrotechnic groups and others which are responsible for the village feasts around Malta and Gozo, will be also take part.

During this activity, various persons in particular senior citizens exhibit their works, which include: fretwork, ‘ganutell’, Maltese lace, knitting etc. Therefore although the activity is originally organized by youths indirectly the same activity shows the importance of senior citizens in our society and their essence for our national identity and culture. For these reasons we would like to invite those who are interested in the Maltese traditions and folklore to attend this activity on the 17th of October, 2009. We would also like to remind those associations and various entities to join in and participate in this event, which has now become part and parcel of the Maltese cultural activities.