To us Maltese, the word Festa conjures up a distinct image of vibrant, colourful and noisy celebration; that of the three-day feast celebrating the patron saint in each village and town across Malta and Gozo. For every special occasion, people celebrate by producing culinary feasts. Special dishes appear year after year on tables, surrounded by family and friends. Recipes are discussed, compared and, most important of all, handed down from generation to generation, so as to hold on to traditions that are so sacred. In this, her second book, Pippa Mattei has put together all her favourite festive recipes, both local and international, which will help you celebrate special occasions by sharing the results of these recipes with your nearest and dearest.