'The Islands of Sicily and Malta en-twined through culture and traditions'
'The Islands of Sicily and Malta en-twined through culture and traditions' was a project that celebrated new friendships, twinning between cities and learning experiences between the two cities of Avola (Italy) and Zejtun (Malta).
Thanks to the cofinancing grant from the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)by the European Union, the two municipalities could focus on the mutual collaboration between the communities.
Citizens of both localities participated in formal and informal activities during the short visit in Avola, where they discussed the key challenges the two localities faced during Covid and post Covid, and also explored the opportunities and best practices each of the two are experiencing and how this can be further developed.
Agriculture mainly olive oil, wine making, organic farming, community based tourism and asset based community development were the main highlighted topics. Both localities have numerous NGOs that are active in different and specific targets such as the traditions, culture, feasts, environmental and philantropic themes. Both Zejtun and Avola have celebrated their history over the centuries, and yearn to expand their horizons out of their country and further it towards other European countries.
The activities during the encounter of citizens included :
- Encounter of citizens in Avola, Italy
- Presentations by Avola and Zejtun residents about both communities consisting of the history and culture richness possessed by both parts
- Guided visits led by the residents of Avola in the city
- Discussions about community tourism from the locals' perspective
- Visit to an agricultural social enterprise focusing on organic farming, olive oil, juices and jams, etc
- Visit to cultural places including public library transformation and the local theatre
- Visit to an olive oil refinery of a family business oriented company
- Encounter of both Mayors of Avola and Zejtun, and the signing of a friendship agreement for further networking between the two localities
