Picturesque Dwejra bay will be the idyllic postcard backdrop to yet another cultural initiative that is being held in Gozo this month. ‘3D - Dwejra from Dusk till Dawn’ is the name that epitomises all that will be going on over the long weekend of the 21st and 22nd of September in an event, described as one for all the family, organised by the San Lawrenz Local Council in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Tourism and Culture.

The first edition of what is hoped to become an annual fixture in the cultural calendar of the island of Gozo combines elements that characterise the Maltese Islands such as folklore, fireworks, heritage and the natural environment, music, and food and wine.

The programme of events, spread over Friday 21 and Saturday 22 September, offers a photography exhibition at the Dwejra Tower, a children’s area, tours on land visiting the main historical and heritage areas around Dwejra, boat tours around the Azure Window and Fungus Rock, and a spectacular fireworks competition which is a first for Gozo.

In addition to these events, particularly for Friday, poetry recitals by Gozitan poets will take place during sunset, while philharmonic bands, folk dancing and traditional ghana will follow. Other events for Saturday include a traditional fjakkolata just after sunset, followed by a spectacular concert involving the participation of local groups Tribali, Chasing Pandora and Bitterside, that reaches its end with another fireworks display.

Participation to any of these events is free of charge.

Speaking during the events’ launching, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo said that events such as ‘3D - Dwejra from Dusk till Dawn’ are important not only to provide yet another attraction for local and foreign tourists away from the more popular months, but also to contribute towards the appreciation of local heritage and the environment. Minister Debono said that the synergy created between local councils and Central Government in the organisation of attractions the like of ‘3D’ is contributing further towards strengthening the position of Gozo as a unique tourism destination all year round.

Addressing the same press conference, San Lawrenz mayor Noel Formosa said that in addition to the cultural events, ‘3D’ will also be bringing together participants from France and Italy, who together with local representatives will discuss the theme “European Identity: Discovering our Roots for a Better Future” in a European Commission-funded conference held on this occasion.