Festin Għad-Dakkara: A Song to Celebrate the Importance of Pollinators

Festin Għad-Dakkara, set for release on 16th June 2025 to mark the start of Pollinator Week, is the second of three songs to be released in 2025 as part of a larger initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness and language learning through music. This initiative is supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and backed by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). As part of the project Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, the song brings the world of pollinators to life for young listeners across Malta.

Written and composed by Rita Pace and Augusto Cardinali respectively, and performed by Christabelle Scerri, Festin Għad-Dakkara is a vibrant celebration of the interconnectedness between flowers, pollinators, and the natural world. The song introduces children to the importance of pollinators, such as bees, wasps, and flies, in an engaging and memorable way, with a focus on language development and environmental education. It also passes the message that not all pollinators need to look as charismatic as the honey bee – for instance, flies can also play a vital role in pollination. Michael Piscopo, the same producer behind the music video for Fonzu l-Fenek, will be responsible for creating a visually captivating slideshow video to accompany the song.

A Celebration of Pollination

Festin Għad-Dakkara brings to life the essential role that pollinators play in the reproductive processes of plants. The song cleverly frames pollination as a “wedding” between the flowers and their pollinators, with In-Naħla Katerina (Katerina the Bee) leading the celebration. Through lively lyrics and a catchy melody, the song highlights how Katerina the Bee gathers nectar and pollen from flowers, enabling them to produce fruit. This imaginative storytelling helps children understand the significance of pollinators in nature, encouraging them to appreciate the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.

The song’s vivid imagery invites children to imagine a world where flowers and pollinators engage in a beautiful dance of cooperation. It emphasises that without the pollinators’ hard work, we would not have the fruits and vegetables that nourish us, making it a fun and educational resource for promoting environmental responsibility.

Language Learning Through Music

A central feature of Festin Għad-Dakkara is its ability to support language learning. Suitable mostly for children aged 7 to 10 (late primary students), the song introduces simple, playful language that helps young listeners develop their Maltese vocabulary. Singing has long been recognised as an effective way to boost memory retention, pronunciation, and phonemic awareness, making the song a valuable tool for language acquisition.

By using familiar words and phrases, as well as more advanced vocabulary related to the natural world, the song is designed to engage children at various stages of language development. It encourages them to learn through repetition, while also fostering an appreciation for the beauty of the Maltese language.

A Visually Engaging Experience

Beyond its musical appeal, Festin Għad-Dakkara will be accompanied by a visually engaging slideshow video, produced by Michael Piscopo. The video will feature colourful illustrations of Katerina the Bee and other pollinators, interacting with a vibrant array of flowers in full bloom. The video’s lively and educational visuals will help reinforce the song’s themes, making it an ideal tool for teachers and parents who want to introduce young children to the importance of pollinators and the beauty of nature.

By featuring depictions of the natural world, the video will support comprehension and engagement, helping children better understand the song’s message and connect with the subject matter. This combination of music and visuals offers a rich, multi-sensory learning experience.

An Educational and Entertaining Resource

With its combination of music, language learning, and visuals, Festin Għad-Dakkara is not only an enjoyable song but also an interactive educational resource. It can be used in classrooms, homes, and community settings to teach children about pollination, the role of pollinators in the ecosystem, and the importance of protecting nature. Teachers can integrate the song into lessons on bees and the environment, while parents can use it as a fun way to reinforce the Maltese language and teach children about the wonders of nature.

As we celebrate Pollinator Week in June 2025, Festin Għad-Dakkara will serve as a joyful reminder of the vital role pollinators play in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring that we continue to have the resources we need for a sustainable future.

This project is being coordinated by the founders, Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg.

To stay up to date with the Foundation’s work, we warmly invite you to join our WhatsApp community. The smooth functioning of our organisation relies on financial resources, and your support is essential. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in advancing our mission. You can help by joining the Foundation’s cause, become a supporter for just €10 a year or make a donation here: Support the Foundation.

Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.