The heart of Msida lit up on Sunday evening as laughter, music, and the aroma of spices filled the air in front of the Parish Church. From 6:30 p.m. until late into the night, the town square transformed into a cultural crossroads for ‘Roots & Recipe – International Youth Food and Culture Gathering,’ an event celebrating diversity through food, art, and friendship.
Organized by the Msida Council in collaboration with Friends of the Earth and Subline, the gathering brought together young people from different communities to share not just recipes, but stories and traditions.
For many, the Bangladeshi stall was an irresistible stop. Under the leadership of human rights activist Tazin Akter, who works at the University of Malta with the Bangladesh Cultural Association Malta (BCAM), a team of Bangladeshi women and students served up an impressive spread of homemade dishes. The stall quickly became a favorite, with curious visitors lining up for a taste of authentic Bangladeshi flavors. “Food is a way to connect hearts,” Akter remarked, smiling as her team handed out plates to eager guests.
But the evening was more than just a feast. The stage pulsed with energy as youth performers showcased their heritage through music and dance. The Bangladeshi group opened their segment with the national anthem before moving into traditional songs and colorful dances, joined later by Ukrainian and Indian performers who added their own cultural notes to the vibrant mix.
Earlier, participants joined an ‘ethno-botanical workshop’, exploring the relationship between plants and culture. This was followed by a communal food gathering that encouraged visitors to wander from stall to stall, sampling tastes from across the world before settling down for the performances.
Local leaders, community members, and visitors alike praised the initiative for fostering dialogue and friendship. The event was not only about food and entertainment—it was about building bridges in Malta’s growing multicultural society.
By the end of the night, as the final notes of music drifted through Msida, it was clear that ‘Roots & Recipe’ had achieved more than just a celebration. It had shown how food and culture—when shared with open hearts—can bring strangers together as friends.
