VICTORIA — In a surprising move, local authorities have declared an official national holiday dedicated to the Gozitan Sheep Shearing Championship.
Contestants will not only compete for the title but must also artfully recite L-Ispirtu ta’ Santa Marija while shearing sheep. The aim? To promote both cultural heritage and wool-based poetry, naturally.
Sheep Shearers as Poets
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among Gozitans. Tumas, a local sheep farmer, said, “Finally, my shearing skills can shine! I’ve been perfecting my poetry every summer when I take my sheep to the festa.”
“I can shear and rhyme at the same time. It’s just like trying to park in Victoria during a summer weekend,”
Meanwhile, Karmenu, another contestant, is busy practicing both disciplines. “I’m just glad I can take a day off from work. Who knew shearing sheep could get me a holiday?”
The event will feature a judging panel looking for not just speed but also lyrical talent. According to the Planning Authority’s latest regulations, any poet or shearer who falters in their verse will be penalized with an automatic disqualification.
People are advised to come prepared with pastizzi for the duration of the event, as authorities expect large crowds, hungry for both entertainment and food. Early reports also indicate that there will be an option to pair the shearing with local wines to enhance the overall experience. After all, what’s better than enjoying a nice Merlot while listening to wool-based recitation?
At press time, the national sheep shearing day is at risk of being postponed due to concerns about whether the sheep can handle the poetry.