A Buzzing Sequel: Festin Għad-Dakkara to Debut on 16th June

Following the successful launch of In-Naħla Katerina on World Bee Day (20th May), the second song in a trilogy of Maltese educational children’s songs is set to be released on 16th June 2025 to coincide with the start of Pollinator Week. Titled Festin Għad-Dakkara (A Feast for Pollinators), this new release continues the musical journey of Katerina the Bee, expanding young listeners’ understanding of pollinators and their vital role in the natural world.

The trilogy forms part of the Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes project, coordinated by Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg and supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), under the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). Through song, language, and imagery, the initiative aims to inspire children to connect with Malta’s natural heritage while also promoting early language development in Maltese.

Building on a Buzzing Success

The first song in the series, In-Naħla Katerina, was released on 20th May to mark World Bee Day and has already been warmly received by educators, parents, and young children. Written and composed by Michael Piscopo and performed by Phyllisienne Brincat, the song introduces children aged 0 to 6 to Malta’s endemic honey bee, Apis mellifera ruttneri. The cheerful melody, paired with playful lyrics and a vibrant video, has brought Katerina the Bee to life as a charming new mascot for environmental education.

Katerina is more than just a character—she is quickly becoming a symbol of ecological awareness in Malta’s schools and nurseries. The song’s strong educational value and age-appropriate content have made it an engaging way to teach young children about bees, biodiversity, and the Maltese language.

Introducing Festin Għad-Dakkara

Now, the project turns its attention to older children aged 7 to 10 with Festin Għad-Dakkara, written by Rita Pace, composed by Augusto Cardinali, and performed by Christabelle Scerri. The song uses festive imagery to depict pollination as a wedding between flowers, joyfully brought to life by pollinators through the magical act of pollination, with Katerina the Bee leading the celebration. It introduces a broader range of pollinators, including bees, wasps, and even flies, encouraging children to appreciate the diversity of insects involved in pollination.

The accompanying slideshow video, produced by Michael Piscopo, will feature colourful illustrations that bring the lyrics to life, reinforcing the environmental themes and offering an engaging visual experience for children.

An illustration featuring a cheerful bee character, surrounded by lavender flowers and various pollinators, with the title 'Festin Għad-Dakkara' prominently displayed at the bottom.

Three people pose together in a recording studio, smiling at the camera. The backdrop is textured acoustic foam, and equipment can be seen in the studio.

A cheerful animated bee character with big eyes and rosy cheeks, wearing a small backpack, flying among colorful flowers against a vibrant green background.

A colorful illustration featuring two cartoon bees flying around blooming flowers, highlighting the role of pollinators in nature.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators are animals—mostly insects—that help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. This natural process, known as pollination, is essential for the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. In Malta and around the world, pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps, and even some species of flies and birds.

More than 75% of global food crops rely, at least in part, on pollinators. Without them, ecosystems would suffer, and food security would be at risk. Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. Educating the next generation about the importance of pollinators is therefore a crucial step towards their conservation.

Through fun, accessible content like Festin Għad-Dakkara, children can learn how pollinators contribute to the food they eat and the flowers they admire, helping them develop a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Illustration of a black beetle with a rounded body and distinct legs, designed in a simple, cartoonish style.

A colorful illustration of a red ladybug with black spots, depicted in a cartoon style.

Illustration of a cartoon fly with large wings and red eyes, depicted on a transparent background.

An illustration of a vibrant orange butterfly with detailed wings, highlighting its natural beauty.

A stylized illustration of a black and orange insect, resembling a beetle, set against a green background.

An illustration of a bee, featuring black and yellow stripes and translucent wings, positioned with a top view against a green background.

A Project with Purpose

The Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes project seeks to blend entertainment with education, providing resources that support both environmental and linguistic learning. With the launch of Festin Għad-Dakkara just over a week away, the project continues to create positive buzz—fostering awareness, appreciation, and a lifelong love of nature among Malta’s youngest citizens.

Keep an eye out for the launch on 16th June, and join Katerina the Bee as she dances once again—this time, in celebration of pollinators everywhere.

Vector illustration of a vibrant pink butterfly with detailed wings against a transparent background.

A cute cartoon bee character with a smiling face, black and brown stripes, and blue wings.

Illustration of a yellow moth with large, patterned wings, showcasing its fuzzy body and expressive eyes.

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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.