Malta –
Mnarja Festival
From left: Carla, daughter of H.E. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta, with her mother. H.E. Marlene Bonnici hosted the Mnarja Festival, while her daughter Carla served as the evening’s presenter
From left: Carla; H.E. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta; and the Munich-based physician couple Dr Malik Englmaier, Honorary Consul of Malta, and his wife
From left: H.E. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta, and H.E. Vinciane von Westphalen, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta
Malta’s National Dish
Beyond its religious significance, the festival has always played a central role in Malta’s social life, Ambassador H.E. Marlene Bonnici explained. Families come together to celebrate, share meals, sing and dance. Traditionally, Mnarja is marked with a fenkata - a slow-cooked rabbit stew that is regarded as Malta’s national dish - Carla explained as she hosted the evening. The ambassador’s daughter guided guests through the programme, while the traditional speciality, alongside a wide selection of other culinary delights, awaited those in attendance.
Malta Tourism Authority
The Director of the Malta Tourism Authority for Germany echoed the ambassador’s remarks: “I have the privilege of presenting Malta not only as an attractive travel destination, but also as a country with a rich history, vibrant traditions and warm hospitality.” Malta is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, magnificent historic towns and year-round mild climate. Yet, he emphasised, what truly sets the island apart are its people and their traditions. Festivals such as Mnarja offer visitors “an authentic insight into Maltese culture and way of life.”
The guests had every opportunity to experience this for themselves throughout the evening. They were treated to an array of delicious Maltese specialities accompanied by carefully selected beverages, all served in an atmosphere of exceptional warmth and hospitality.
From left: Dr Irene Ernst, CEO of Diplomatisches Magazin; Baraa Shukri, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Syria; H.E. Dr Snežana Janković, Ambassador of Serbia
H.E. Lorenzo Ravano, Ambassador of Monaco, and H.E. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta
From left: H.E. Gökhan Turan, Ambassador of Türkiye, and his wife in conversation with H.E. Ylber Sela, Ambassador of North Macedonia
From left: H.E. Prof. Ron Prosor, Ambassador of Israel; H.E. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta; and H.E. Ahmed Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Qarainees, Ambassador of Bahrain