This Victoria confectionary is keeping with sweet traditions
Prinjolata specialty: how Portelli confectionery adds sweetness to Gozo's carnival
For over half a century, Portelli confectionery, a family-run business in the heart of Victoria, has attracted and been frequented by many local and foreign customers.
Established in 1960 by the late Maria and Tarcisio Portelli, the confectionery is situated in Savina Square. Their children, twin brothers, George and Michael, now continue to produce their confectionery products, while Frankie and Miriam run the shop.
George and Michael inherited the art of confectionery from their parents. At the time, Portelli confectionery was one of the few confectioners in the Gozitan capital. The bakery is a stone’s throw away from the confectionery. Passers-by along Archpriest Cassar street could smell the aroma coming out of the bakery.
During the carnival period, Portelli confectionery bake one of the most in-demand confectionery products during carnival – the prinjolata – a traditional local sweet made of specially-baked biscuits, nuts, candied peel and chocolate chips.
Portelli confectionery is also one of the most historic and iconic establishments associated with the Times of Malta. This 50-year-old plus business spot is a cornerstone of the Gozitan community from where they purchase several publications, including the Times of Malta.