The Cow Farm in Wied Għomor
Ġanni Bonavia was a skilled and well-known herdsman. He owned a cow farm high up in Wied Għomor, where he worked tirelessly from sunrise to sunset. This very farm could still be seen until recent years, though not in its original form. Over time, the forces of nature took their toll, and the original structure collapsed. Today, a new, larger, and modernized farm has been built on the same site, adapted to the times in which it was constructed.
In addition to raising cows, Ġanni also kept sheep and goats, along with chickens and hens that roamed joyfully within the farm.
As one entered the farm, a large image of a saint greeted them — painted on the wall was San Ġwann ta’ l-Għargħar (Saint John of the Wilderness), to whom Ġanni had deep devotion.
From the milk of his sheep, Ġanni made cheese so delicious and unique that he named it:
“The Cheese of San Ġwann”
(Today more commonly known as “gbejna”, the traditional Maltese cheeselet.)
Gianni’s Happy Farm
(Inspired by the farm in Wied Għomor)
Up on a hill where flowers grow,
In Wied Għomor, not far below,
Lived Gianni, strong and wide awake,
With cows and goats and cheese to make!
From early dawn till skies turned dark,
He’d feed the cows and hear them bark!
(Not really bark, but moo and baa,
While chickens clucked in joyful awe.)
He had a barn, so big and tall,
With painted saint upon the wall.
Saint John of the Wilderness, shining bright,
Watched over Gianni day and night.
The goats would jump, the sheep would run,
They’d play and bleat beneath the sun.
The milk was fresh, the cheese was round,
The tastiest gbejna all around!
He called it “San Ġwann’s Cheese Delight”,
So soft and creamy, pure and white.
And people came from far and near,
To buy his cheese and give a cheer!
So if you walk by Wied Għomor way,
Imagine Gianni still today.
With cows and goats and happy song,
Where gbejna lives and love is strong!
