PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND ANIMAL RIGHTS First Edition of Festa Tonn in Marsaskala

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said launches a festival that brings together tradition, community, and the fisheries sector

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, announced the first edition of Festa Tonn, a festival that will take place in Marsaskala on Saturday, 7th June. The aim of this festival is to celebrate the fisheries sector in Malta, particularly the tuna industry, and to raise further awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing and Malta's maritime heritage.

Festa Tonn will feature a day full of family-friendly events, including educational activities, tuna-related food stalls, educational stands, live music, and a fishing competition. There will also be a dedicated area for children.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that “Through Festa Tonn, we want people to not only enjoy fresh local fish, however, better understand the work of our fishers, and appreciate the beauty of everything connected to our sea and our culture. This is not just an event, it's a celebration of our identity."

The Parliamentary Secretary thanked the Marsaskala Local Council, the events department within the Ministry, and all the organisations involved in making this festival happen. Festa Tonn is expected to attract a large number of visitors and is part of a series of events aimed at raising awareness and strengthening the fisheries sector.

From his end, Marsaskala Mayor Mario Calleja said that “Together with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries and Aquaculture we are announcing a summer event linked to fresh tuna that will be held in our locality. Apart from local businesses making donations to the Puttinu NGO, there will be entertainment including music, and stalls offering Maltese artisanal products. We will also see the participation of voluntary organisations such as the local feast decoration association."

He further explained that “Marsaskala has always been considered as a fishing village. Although numbers have decreased, we still see a number of full-time and part-time fishers as well as sea enthusiasts. Recently, with the help of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries and Aquaculture, we have seen the installation of new pillars and a winch room so that fishermen can work more comfortably and with less difficulty. We look forward so that Festa Tonn, being held in collaboration with the local council, will be a success."

Estelle Sant, Director of Support Services at the Ministry for Fisheries, Agriculture and Animal Rights, added that “The various activities we are organising throughout the year are nothing more than a means to honour Maltese and Gozitan fishers and farmers. We all know how tirelessly they work to provide us with fresh and delicious products every day. We encourage everyone to attend this beautiful festival."

Festa Tonn will be held on Saturday, 7th June, from 11:00am onwards, at Triq ix-Xatt, Marsaskala.