The ceremony, an important part of the fishing community’s heritage, marks the start of the season, with blessings for prosperity and safety.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo attended alongside fishermen, families, and community members.

Fishermen spent weeks preparing palm leaf trellises, a traditional Maltese method used to attract lampuka, with the government distributing around 6,600 palm leaves this year.

For 2025, 77 registered full-time and part-time fishermen will fish using this method. The season officially begins on 15th August and continues until year’s end.

Lampuka fishing holds cultural and economic significance in Malta, eagerly awaited by families and restaurants each August. Minister Refalo emphasised government support to ensure the sector remains sustainable and resilient.

Have you ever tried fresh lampuka?