Salina Nature Reserve welcomed visitors for the third edition of Salt Fest on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, which once again celebrated Malta’s traditional salt-making heritage and the historic importance of the Salina salt pans. The biggest attraction was the guided tours of the historic salt pans. Visitors explored the centuries-old site and learned how sea salt has been harvested using traditional methods for generations.
The Salt Museum welcomed a steady flow of visitors interested in the history of one of Malta’s oldest industries. Families enjoyed hands-on activities, while local artisans and conservation organisations also took part, offering demonstrations and information throughout the weekend. Visitors also enjoyed a taste of Café Bużaqq, which is due to open soon at Salina Nature Reserve.
This year’s programme introduced Sip, Soak & Savour in Nature at Salt Fest, a new opening event held on Friday evening. Participants enjoyed a guided sunset tour of the salt pans, a discussion on Malta’s Natura 2000 sites, and wine with light snacks.
The discussion explored why places like Salina matter, how they are protected, and what role each of us can play in safeguarding them. Manuel Mallia, Salina Park Manager at BirdLife Malta; Stephen Saliba, Team Manager at the Environment and Resources Authority, specialising in native habitats, species protection and Natura 2000 management; Timothy J. Tabone, a Maltese botanist and ethnobiologist specialising in the flora, traditional folk medicine and herbal heritage of the Maltese Islands; and Camilla Applegren, environmental activist and founder of the Malta Ranger Unit, participated in the discussion.
Salt Fest continues to grow as an annual event celebrating the unique connection between culture, history and nature at Salina. The festival gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of Malta’s most important historic landscapes, where centuries of history, traditional salt harvesting and wildlife come together, while highlighting the importance of protecting both its heritage and biodiversity.
Organised by BirdLife Malta, Salt Fest has become a popular summer event, encouraging more people to discover the remarkable story of Salina.
