A shot of festa fireworks over Valletta
A Guide To The Maltese Festa
Feast preparations are a year-long effort undertaken by volunteers and enthusiasts, pouring in countless hours after work at personal expense and risk. Around two weeks before the big day, preparations hit the next gear with the village square and church adorned with hundreds of lights, religious artifacts, and beautiful damask tapestries. Intricate decorations, some of which take an entire year to craft by hand, create a stunning backdrop. The streets are lined with colorful pavilions featuring images of the village’s patron saint and other historical icons. Every corner of the village is transformed, setting the stage for what is to come.
A typical Maltese road adorned with rich pavilions during the village feast week
As the week of the festa approaches, the atmosphere comes alive. Village roads are closed to traffic, making way for band clubs to take center stage. These bands fill the air with cheerful tunes, celebrating their patron saint, and also adding a playful element by stoking friendly rivalries with other bands in the same village. Competition between band clubs can be intense, each striving to outshine the other with creative decorations, impressive fireworks, and grand displays. The sense of community pride is palpable as villagers and visitors alike join in the revelry.
Left: A shot of a Maltese church decorated for the village feast, with fireworks in the foreground. Right: A Maltese band performing during a feast
(credits: viewingmalta.com)
The highlight of the festa is the night of the feast itself, when the statue of the patron saint is carried in a cheerful procession through the village streets. Devotees bid large amounts for the honor of bearing the statue, a privilege believed to bring blessings. The funds raised often go toward charitable causes or to cover the costs of organizing the feast. As the procession winds through the streets, confetti, balloons, and decorations are released from rooftops and balconies, adding to the celebratory mood.
Maltese fireworks during a village festa (credits: viewingmalta.com)
Fireworks are at the heart of any Maltese festa, with local pyrotechnic teams showcasing their mastery. Throughout the week, the sound of petards and muskets fills the air, often catching unsuspecting tourists by surprise. These fireworks start early and continue at regular intervals, building up to a grand finale of aerial displays on the night of the feast. The rivalry between band clubs extends to the skies as they compete to create the most impressive firework displays, all done on a voluntary basis.
One of the most unique aspects of Maltese fireworks is the ġigġifogu, a mesmerizing land-based firework display. These rotating, multicolored fireworks are set on spinning wheels, producing intricate patterns of sparks as they spin. The mechanism behind the ġigġifogu requires careful balancing and precise timing. The burning fireworks are strategically positioned on the wheel, creating thrust that propels it to spin at high speeds. As the wheel spins, the fireworks are synchronized to maximize their visual impact. This stunning display is a testament to the technical skill and artistic creativity, ensuring that the ġigġifogu remains a highlight of every Maltese festa. Have a look below for a taste of giggifogu in full flow.
The festa lies at the heart of Maltese culture, making it a must-see for any visitor, especially during the peak season from June to October. These lively celebrations offer a unique glimpse into the island’s traditions, with their colorful decorations, music, and fireworks. However, due to their popularity, festas can be busy and require careful planning to navigate. If you’re visiting during this time, make sure to include at least one festa in your itinerary. Continue reading below for local tips, a guide to the top festas, and a handy calendar to help you plan your visit.
What About The Food?
Street food plays a central role in any Maltese festa. On your visit, you will find traditional wooden stalls, kiosks, and food trucks lining the streets during the week of celebration. The choices are endless, offering everything from classic Maltese sweets to every form of comfort food imaginable. Healthy eating takes a backseat at these festivities, where indulgence is all part of the fun.
A festa stall selling many variants of Kannoli
Maltese sweets, in particular, steal the show and carry cultural significance beyond their sugary appeal. Perhaps the most iconic treat is qubbajt (nougat), a traditional confection dating back to the time of the Knights of St. John. With its nut-based core, candied fruits, sugar, and whipped egg whites, this delicacy is lovingly crafted by a handful of skilled artisans who still make it by hand. Be sure to savor it, as it represents both history and craftsmanship.
Left: A traditional wooden stall selling Maltese qubbajt. Right: Imqaret being freshly prepared (credits: viewingmalta.com)
Other delights include kannoli, inspired by their Italian cousins. This local favourite consists of crispy pastry shells filled with creamy ricotta flavored with vanilla, citrus, or even chocolate chips. Another festa favorite is imqaret, fried pastries stuffed with dates, a sweet legacy from Malta’s Arab rule over a thousand years ago. The list of sweet treats doesn’t stop there—you’ll find helwa tat-tork (halva), biscotti, perlini, karamelli (carob sweets), qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), and even international favorites like doughnuts and candy floss.
A modern festa stall selling drinks & cocktails (credits: viewingmalta.com)
If you’re craving something savory, the options are just as plentiful. Expect burger joints, hot dogs, pizza slices, and of course, the iconic Maltese pastizzi – to name a few. Food at a Maltese festa is enjoyed on the go, with food stalls serving up dishes for you to eat standing up or perched on a nearby spot along the streets. As the festivities continue, you’ll find yourself grabbing a quick bite before heading back to watch the procession or making your way to the ġigġifogu. One thing is certain: you won’t leave a Maltese festa feeling hungry!
Tips From A Local
Maltese festi are widely popular events among locals and foreigners alike. While this creates a lively and joyful atmosphere, it can also be a logistical challenge to get to the venue and back, especially if you’re not staying close by and require transportation. Here are a few tips from a local on how to successfully navigate a Maltese festa.
- Maltese festi do not occur on fixed days but rather vary by locality and are often tied to the feast day of the patron saint associated with each village. Most festi are celebrated on the weekend after to the actual feast day, which can lead to variations in dates each year. It is highly advisable to check schedules beforehand if you intend to visit a specific festa.
- During festa week, the main roads and central square of the village are usually closed off during celebration hours, and sometimes even earlier. No traffic is allowed through the area during these times. This makes parking a hard situation often impossible to navigate, especially without planning ahead of time. Have a look at our calendar below to make sure that your stay does not coincide with the local village festa if you are eager to avoid the hustle and bustle that comes along with it.
- If you’re planning to attend a festa, make sure to arrange your transportation in advance. Finding buses or taxis at night can be challenging unless you’re staying locally. If you’re taking a bus, ask for directions to the village center, as you may need to walk from a few streets away. If driving, expect to park on the outskirts and be sure to remember where, as the narrow, winding streets of old villages can be confusing. Getting there early is a good idea – the earlier the better.
- Keep a safe distance when watching fireworks. While aerial fireworks are launched from the village outskirts and pose no risk, ġigġifogu are often close to the crowd. While this is generally safe, it is important to be cautious as debris can be fired off in close distance and can pose a danger.
- Local band clubs also host parties in their clubhouses near the parish church. While the atmosphere is lively and an opportunity to mix with the locals, they are also quite rowdy and stuffy affairs. This activity is not generally recommended for small children.
- If you’re staying in or near a village celebrating a festa, expect loud firework explosions as early as 8 am. If that doesn’t sound appealing, you might want to check the festa calendar and adjust your travel plans.
- As an expression of Maltese cultural identity, festi can also get loud and be rowdy affairs. Rest assured, in most cases you’ll be experiencing a friendly rivalry, with the festa a family-friendly event were locals bring their young children to. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to keep your wits about you, you never know if an individual takes it too far.
A Selection Of Feasts In Malta
With so much dedication and effort made by locals every year on their village festa, providing a top list will always be incomplete in some shape or form. Nonetheless, some feasts do stand out, especially from a tourist’s perspective. On this note, we have carefully curated a list of Maltese festi highlights to consider as part of your itineraries. For those locals coming across this list, rest assured that we love your festa too!
Mid August
Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija) – Mosta
Mosta’s celebration of Santa Marija on August 15 is one of the most spectacular in Malta. What makes this feast special is the iconic setting of the Rotunda of Mosta, one of the largest domes in Europe. The procession featuring the revered statue of the Virgin Mary is awe-inspiring as it winds through the decorated streets. Mosta is also known for its fireworks displays, especially the intricate ground fireworks known as ġigġifogu. The entire town comes alive with religious devotion, music, and vibrant street parties that attract locals and tourists alike. This feast is also perhaps one of the most family-friendly and laid-back festi on this list, while still retaining its authenticity.
Early August
Feast of Christ the Saviour – Lija
Lija’s festa for Christ the Saviour in the Eucharist is famous for its spectacular fireworks displays. Despite being a small village, Lija is famous for its intricate pyrotechnics, especially its ground fireworks (ġigġifogu), which draw crowds from all over. The streets are beautifully decorated, with the procession of the statue through the village showcasing deep local devotion. With lively band music and a vibrant atmosphere, Lija’s festa offers an intimate yet impressive celebration, making it a must-visit for fireworks enthusiasts.
Early September
Feast of St. Catherine – Żurrieq
The festa of St. Catherine in Żurrieq, celebrated in early September, is one of the most vibrant and lively feasts in southern Malta. Known for its grand scale, the feast combines rich religious tradition with spectacular entertainment. Also known for its impressive fireworks display, St Catherine’s festa is known for lighitng up the night sky, while also showcasing impressive ground fireworks (ġigġifogu). Zurrieq’s passionate community and the lively band marches make this festa a must-visit for those seeking more energetic local experience.
Mid August
Feast of St. Helen – Birkirkara
The festa of St. Helen, celebrated in Birkirkara on the Sunday after August 18, is one of the largest and most popular feasts in Malta. What makes it stand out is the sheer scale of the celebration—Birkirkara, being one of Malta’s largest towns, pulls out all the stops for this event. The streets are lavishly decorated with vibrant banners and lights, and the statue of St. Helen, one of the tallest in Malta, is carried in a grand procession. The atmosphere is both festive and reverent, with live music, street stalls, and massive fireworks display. St. Helen’s feast is especially known for its spectacular morning procession, which draws crowds from all over the island.
Mid August
Feast of St. Lawrence – Gozo
The festa of St. Lawrence is a unique and captivating event that reflects Gozo’s deep-rooted traditions. What sets this festa apart is its strong connection to Gozitan identity and the warm community spirit. The highlight is the grand procession, where the adorned statue of St. Lawrence is carried through the streets of the village of San Lawrenz. Accompanied by lively band music and heartfelt singing, the atmosphere is filled with joy and camaraderie, making it a truly special occasion for locals and visitors alike. Make sure to consider this festa on your itinerary, especially if you will be visiting Malta’s sister island.
Village Feast Calendar
Have a look below for a calendar of the saint’s official feast days for Malta and Gozo. It’s important to keep in mind that the primary celebrations of Maltese festi do not necessarily occur on fixed days. Most festi are celebrated on the weekend closest to the actual feast day, which can lead to variations in dates each year. For example, the Feast of St. George in Victoria is celebrated on the saint’s official feast day. The Feast of St. Catherine in Zurrieq takes place on the closest Saturday or Sunday to the official saint’s feast day to accommodate larger crowds and festivities.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that certain festi are celebrated over several days, with preparatory activities leading up to the main celebrations. This flexibility allows each locality to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere, making it easier for locals and tourists alike to participate in the festivities. It is highly recommended to do some research before attending a festa to make sure that you are hitting the venue at the right time that suits your needs.
January
- 21st – Conversion of St Paul (Mdina)
- 27th – The Holy Family (Iklin)
February
- 10th – St Paul (St Paul’s Bay)
- 24th – St Paul’s Shipwreck (Valletta)
March
- 1st – Jesus the Nazarene (Tas-Sliema)
- 19th – St Joseph (Rabat, Malta)
- 31st – The Risen Christ (Pembroke)
April
- 14th – St Publius (Floriana)
May
- 1st – St Joseph the Worker (Birkirkara)
- 3rd – The Holy Cross (Birkirkara)
- 9th – St George Preca (Swatar)
- 19th – St Anthony (Birkirkara)
- 22nd – St Rita (Valletta)
- 26th – The Annunciation of Mary (Ħal Tarxien)
- 26th – The Holy Trinity (Marsa)
- 26th – St Paul’s Shipwreck (Munxar)
June
- 2nd – Corpus Christi (Għasri)
- 2nd – Our Lady of Fatima (Gwardamanġa)
- 2nd – St Joseph (Ħal Għaxaq)
- 2nd – St Philip of Agira (Ħaż-Żebbuġ)
- 16th – Sacred Heart of Jesus (Fontana)
- 16th – Our Lady of the Lily (Mqabba)
- 23rd – Our Lady of Lourdes (Qrendi)
- 23rd – Corpus Christi (Rabat, Malta)
- 23rd – St John the Baptist (Xewkija)
- 23rd – St Catherine (Żejtun)
- 29th – St Peter and St Paul (Nadur)
- 29th – St Peter and St Paul (Mdina)
- 30th – Immaculate Heart of Mary
(Burmarrad) - 30th – St George (Ħal Qormi)
- 30th – St Nicholas of Bari (Siġġiewi)
July
- 7th – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Fleur-de-Lys)
- 7th – The Visitation of Our Lady (Għarb)
- 7th – St Andrew (Ħal Luqa)
- 7th – Immaculate Conception (Ħamrun)
- 7th – St Paul (Rabat, Malta)
- 7th – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
(Tas-Sliema) - 14th – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Fgura)
- 14th – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Gżira)
- 14th – The Annunciation of Mary (Ħal Balzan)
- 14th – St Joseph (Ħal Kirkop)
- 14th – Our Lady of Relief (Kerċem)
- 16th – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Valletta)
- 21st – St Sebastian (Ħal Qormi)
- 21st – Our Lady of Holy Doctrine (Ħal Tarxien)
- 21st – St Joseph (Kalkara)
- 21st – St Joseph (Msida)
- 21st – St George (Victoria)
- 21st – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Żurrieq)
- 28th – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Balluta)
- 28th – St Joseph (Ħaż-Żebbuġ)
- 28th – St Anne (Marsascala)
- 28th – Christ the King (Paola)
- 28th – St Venera (Santa Venera)
- 28th – Our Lady of Sorrows (St Paul’s Bay)
- 28th – St Margaret (Ta’ Sannat)
August
- 4th – St Peter in Chains (Birżebbuġa)
- 4th – Our Lady of Pompei (Marsaxlokk)
- 4th – St Joseph (Qala)
- 4th – Our Lady of Lourdes (San Ġwann)
- 4th – St Dominic (Valletta)
- 6th – Christ Our Saviour (Ħal Lija)
- 10th – St Laurence (Vittoriosa)
- 11th – St Cajetan (Ħamrun)
- 11th – St Maximilian Kolbe (Qawra)
- 11th – St Laurence (San Lawrenz)
- 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady
(Birkirkara) - 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady (Gudja)
- 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady
(Ħal Għaxaq) - 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady
(Ħaż-Żebbuġ) - 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady (Ħ’Attard)
- 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady (Mosta)
- 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady (Mqabba)
- 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady (Qrendi)
- 15th – The Assumption of Our Lady (Victoria)
- 18th – St Helen (Birkirkara)
- 18th – The Assumption of Our Lady
(Ħad-Dingli) - 18th – The Assumption of Our Lady
(Mġarr, Malta) - 18th – Stella Maris (Tas-Sliema)
- 21st – St Pius X (Santa Luċija)
- 25th – St Bartholomew (Ħal Għargħur)
- 25th – St Leonard (Ħal Kirkop)
- 25th – The Conversion of St Paul (Ħal Safi)
- 25th – St Joseph (Manikata)
- 25th – Marija Reġina (Marsa)
- 25th – Our Lady of Lourdes (Paola)
- 25th – St Julian (St Julian’s)
- 25th – St Dominic (Vittoriosa)
- 25th – The Assumption of Our Lady
(Żebbuġ, Gozo)
September
- 1st – Our Lady of Loreto (Għajnsielem)
- 1st – St Francis of Assisi (Qawra)
- 1st – St Gregory (Tas-Sliema)
- 1st – St Catherine (Żurrieq)
- 7th – Our Lady of Consolation (Valletta)
- 8th – The Nativity of Our Lady (Mellieħa)
- 8th – The Nativity of Our Lady (Naxxar)
- 8th – The Nativity of Our Lady (Senglea)
- 8th – The Nativity of Our Lady (Xaghra)
- 15th – Our Lady of Graces (Ħaż-Żabbar)
- 15th – St Augustine (Valletta)
- 29th – Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi
(Marsa)
October
- 6th – Our Lady of the Rosary (Gudja)
- 11th – Our Lady of the Rosary (Marsa)
- 13th – St Francis (Tas-Sliema)
- 27th – Our Lady of Consolation (Gudja)
November
- 17th – St John of the Cross (Ta’ Xbiex)
December
- 8th – Immaculate Conception (Cospicua)
- 8th – Immaculate Conception (Ibraġ)
- 13th – St Lucy (Mtarfa)
Concluding Thoughts
In this article, we’ve taken a vibrant tour through the heart of Maltese culture: the festa. We explored what to expect during these lively celebrations, from processions and fireworks to the delicious street food, a core part of the festivities. We also shared tips on how to make the most of your festa experience, highlighting which ones are best suited for different tastes. To make planning easier, a calendar was provided along with guidance on how to determine the dates of these festivities. Ultimately, no trip to Malta is truly complete without experiencing a festa firsthand. For those eager to dive deeper into Maltese traditions and local life, a festa is the perfect gateway into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Related Content
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