Enjoy artisan treats, live demos, stunning sculptures, and family-friendly fun in a vibrant atmosphere. Chocolate – bitter, sweet but always a delight
Cocoa has appealed to the imagination for more than 2,500 years already. The Mayas, and later the Aztecs, used to make nectar from cocoa beans which they then spiced with peppers. During their conquests in Latin America, the Spanish conquistadors came up with the idea to add cane sugar to this drink which made the Aztec ‘tchocolatl’ more palatable for the Europeans. Along the years, the involvement of chocolate evolved and is now being used more widely, and creatively, used. One such case is chocolate used in beauty products and for a healthy lifestyle. Chocolate massages, chocolate packs or cocoa therapies are just a few of the treatments that involve chocolate, apart from consuming it of course. In Malta, Ħamrun is the town mostly associated with Chocolate. This town is mostly popular for it’s festa during which the locals, and a large number of visitors, celebrate St. Gaetan, however, many do not know that this town has a strong link to Chocolate. It is said, although to-date no documentation has been found that could confirm this, that during the sovereignity of the Knights of St. John under the rule of Grand Master Perelos, cocoa beans were stored in Ħamrun, particularly in the area known as tas-Samra. So in Malta, we must owe something to this town for playing such a pivotal role in the supply of this delicious temptation we call chocolate. As chocolate takes centre stage on many occasions, Ħamrun also boasts one of the few shops supplying exclusively chocolate – in fact, here is where Unica 1658 is being produced. Unica 1658 is based on the orginal recipe of Gianfrancesco Buonamico which dates back to 1658 and, more than 350 later, is once again being produced using the same ingredients and handcraftmanship. In fact, Unica 1658 is the official chocolate of Valletta 2018 marking Malta’ Capital City as the European Capital of Culture 2018. Along the years, the town has grown fond of this fact and has been organising what many describe as paradise for chocolate lovers – it’s actual name is The Hamrun Chocolate Festival. The event brings together traditions from the past and blends them with innovative use of chocolate as an ingredient for food and art. In fact, along the years the Festival grew to a national scale and constantly attracts tourists who go and enjoy the activity whilst helping themselves to some delicious chocolate treats. Organised by the Ħamrun Local Council the event is a way to regenerate the locality whilst showcasing the potential that the locality has to offer by providing the right platform for individuals to promote their product or skill – to the enjoyment of visitors obviously! This year, The Ħamrun Chocolate Festival will be organised on Saturday 28th October. It’s a must for every chocolate-lover to visit Ħamrun on the day for some sweet fun.
