Merill Local Products –The ancient tradition of Weaving

From our very first collection

Through Merill Eco Tours, we are proud to promote the authentic local products of the Maltese Islands under the name of Merill Local Products. Merill Local Products is a brand which promotes genuine products direct from the farmers and craft persons. The product range includes local wine, home-made jams, extra virgin olive oil, pickled onions, sun dried tomatoes and much more, all bought direct from the farmers/producers/artisans. 
In the framework of Merill Rural Network, we bring together several farmers and artisans from around the Maltese Islands. By means of organised visits and excursions, the members are diversifying their products and services to offer new experiences to locals and tourists. 

In order to reviev the old traditions and to widen the knowledge of both locals and tourists about the authentic art crafts of Malta and to support the local artisans we organize tours and demonstrations providing unique experiences. One of these experiences takes place at Mr Antoine Vella’s workshop.

The tradition of weaving was introduced by the Phoenicians in Malta thus this trade has a very long history. All the traditional items of bedding and clothing were hand woven including tablecloths, curtains, skirts, sheets and bedspreads.  Mr Antoine Vella, who has been in the weaving trade for more than 35 years is one of the very few professional weavers of the Maltese Islands who are still keen on keeping the old traditions and methods alive.

 

During this demonstration, you will learn how cloth and material used to be made when synthetic fabrics did not exist. The components of the machine and process will be explained in a detailed yet interesting way. A variety of colourful and attractive carpets and materials produced by Mr Vella will also be on display. 

For more information please visit Antoine's fan page or Weaving Demonstration

Betti :)

For more information about the whole range of experiences we offer, one can visit the Merill Eco Tours website. We organise experiences upon request for small and medium sized groups. Feel free to email us on info@merillecotours.com or call us on 21/27411388.

Agritourism in Malta - through the eyes of a foreigner

Beautiful Island in the heart of the Mediterranean, sun, sea, sand, rich history, interesting culture, friendly people. These are the first things that come to somebody’s mind when talking about the Maltese Islands. At the moment we can say that Malta, together with its sister island Gozo, are typical holiday destinations attracting thousands of tourists every year. Every visitor who comes to Malta is seeking for sunshine, relaxation, calm or if it is about the younger generation they are more interested in the night life and the leisure activities. Malta has a lot to offer. But is it all? sandy beaches, history and culture? or is there an other face of Malta that less people know? The answer is “yes”.

 

As a foreigner, I can say with confidence, that agritourism in Malta is something unique. It shows the hidden side of the island. It brings a special “life time” experience for those who participate on one of the tours. The best way to get to know a country is to see the traditions, the old habits, to taste the local flavours and to drink the local beverages. The local agriculture dates back to hundreds of years and some of the old traditions are still alive. The small part of the community that still works on the fields kept the habits and the rural lifestyle. The fresh products they make are the best one can ever taste. The friendliness of the families who live on the farms makes you feel welcome and in such an atmosphere, having breakfast or lunch leaves you memorable moments that you will never forget. While talking to the farmer you can get to know the life of the family, the old ways of land cultivation and farming. Sitting outside in the fresh air, soaking in the sunshine, admiring the breath-taking views, tasting the fresh, hand-made cheeslets, sun dried tomatoes, olives, jams, extra virgin olive oil and the local wines is priceless. It really gives you the feeling that even if just for a moment you are a local too and you belong to this exceptional country. The rural Malta has so much to offer. And not just for foreigners but also for the locals. It is the best way to break away from the busy daily lifestyle, and get to know a country or just to rediscover its forgotten treasures. It perfectly combines culture, tradition and local cuisine.

After visiting a vineyard, an olive grow and the landscape surrounding the farm houses I really think it is something that everybody has to see.  Rural tourism shows a hidden side of Malta. It is informative and interesting.  It helps to keep the old agricultural traditions and contributes to the local community as well.

Let’s discover the rural side of Malta!

Betti :)


For more information about the whole range of experiences we offer, one can visit the Merill Eco Tours website. We organise experiences upon request for small and medium sized groups. Feel free to email us on info@merillecotours.com or call us on 21/27411388.