Saturday evening at the Argotti Gardens opens with a lively performance by the Aurora Folk Group. This folklore group is the oldest of its kind still active in Gozo. It was established in 1973 to promote appreciation of Maltese folkloric entertainment, both among local audiences and among those who visit the Maltese islands or encounter the group during its performances abroad.
The Aurora Folk Group is one of Malta’s longest-standing folklore ensembles, presenting performances that bring together traditional dance, music, costume and craft. Founded in 1973 by the Leone Philharmonic Society in Victoria, Gozo, the group has spent decades promoting Maltese and Gozitan folk traditions through staged performances, cultural festivals and community events.
Aurora Folk Group’s performances feature a large ensemble of dancers accompanied by a live orchestra playing traditional instruments. Their repertoire presents scenes inspired by rural life, village celebrations and traditional festivities, combining choreographed dances with music rooted in Maltese folk traditions. The group also integrates elements of material heritage into its performances, including traditional costume and craft practices.
Today the ensemble includes around twenty dancers, live musicians and performers dressed in traditional attire, including the għonnella, Malta’s historic women’s headdress. Craft demonstrations, such as bizzilla lace-making, are sometimes incorporated into performances to highlight the connection between music, dance and traditional skills.
Over the years, the Aurora Folk Group has performed widely in Malta and Gozo as well as internationally, participating in festivals and cultural exchanges across Europe and the Mediterranean. Today the group continues its work under the direction of Marlon Mercieca and the artistic leadership of Zoe Attard, presenting Maltese folklore to local and international audiences through lively, visually rich performances.