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Malta is a happening place and there’s always some thing happening on the Maltese Islands. The Islands offer an eclectic blend of local and international events, entertainment, exhibitions, seasonal events, carnival and summer festivals, annual arts and music festivals and the list goes on. Here is a list of festivals in Malta; |
1: The Mediterranean Food Festival- March
After the great success of the past editions, the Malta Tourism Authority is once again organizing this popular event, the Mediterranean Food Festival - four days of delicious food and drink to suit every palate. Malta has always been a focal point for gastronomic influences derived from all over the Mediterranean. It is therefore appropriate that Malta host this festival where one is given the chance to savor a variety of Mediterranean food and experience a cross-fertilization of culinary information through food tasting and the expertise of foreign and local chefs.
2: Holy Week
Holy Week in Malta is rather solemn and sombre. The celebrations are of a religious character and the Islanders flock to church in great numbers to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The week starts on the Friday preceding Good Friday. The Statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in procession through the streets of many towns and villages. This votive statue is very dear to the Maltese and literally hundreds join the procession. Good Friday procession held early evening. These processions consist of life-size statues depicting scenes from the passion of Our Lord. You will find hundreds of Maltese take part, especially in the larger towns. Most participants dress in costumes depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing. Processions this time are in direct contrast to the gloom of Good Friday. Here, the statue of the ‘Risen Christ’ is carried shoulder high to the accompaniment of band music.
3: Malta Fireworks Festival- April/May
The fireworks festival is a show-case for fireworks factories to demonstrate their ability in the craft of fireworks displays, the displays are truly magnificent.
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4: Village Festa- May to September The long Maltese summers herald festa time. No visit to the Islands between May and September would be complete without seeing a village festa in full swing. It's a chance to catch a slice of Island life close up and be part of a tradition that stretches back to the 16th century. Two words define a Maltese village festa: saints and fireworks. The week-long festivities celebrate the parish patron saint. The celebrations themselves end in the grand finale of a firework display. Along the way, there is plenty of brass band music, peeling of bells and street life. The main event is held on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. |
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5: Malta International Jazz Festival- July
Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers can look forward this year’s edition which will feature top musicians. The historical location of Ta’ Liesse offers the ideal backdrop for this high-flying event.
6: The Farsons Great Beer Festival- July end
Held annually since 1981, The Farsons Great Beer Festival is an eagerly awaited event by Maltese and tourists alike and has become a permanent fixture on Malta's events calendar. A 10-day, fun festival for all the family, this event offers an array of live entertainment by top local singers and bands and a variety of cuisines complemented with a large selection of beers produced and imported by Farsons - all in a festive open air atmosphere. With over 300 hours of music, 40 live performances, 15 bars, two stages, a daily beer drinking competition, thousands of people and ample parking space, The Farsons Great Beer Festival is the biggest and most diverse outdoor festival organized in Malta.
7: Malta International Air show- September
The 13th edition of the Malta International Airshow will provide a unique opportunity for you to have access to some of the airfield ramps, view the aircraft and chat with the pilots. There will be flying displays by civil and military aircraft, including parachute teams, as well as a static display of various types of aircraft. This will take place at the Luqa Airfield.
8: Classic Wine Festival
This ‘not to be missed’, event inaugurates the commencement of the Maltese wine harvest with a spectacular event which is held at the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens. Enjoy some outstanding views of the Grand Harbour. There will be a wide range of quality Maltese wines from a number of Malta grown grapes such as Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and of course the two unique indigenous Maltese grapes Ghirgentina and Gellewza.
9: Our Lady of Victories- December
Commemorative ceremony in Valletta to celebrate the lifting of the 1565 siege against the Turks, the capitulation of the French in 1800 and the end of the siege of the Axis powers in 1943. The traditional colorful and keenly-contested boat race, or regatta, is also held at the Grand Harbour on this day.
10: Freedom Day
The Freedom day is a commemorative ceremony held at the War Memorial in Floriana, by the end of March. On this day, traditional regatta boat races are held in the Grand Harbour.
11: Independence Day
The Independence Day is celebrated every year on the 21st of September since 1964, when Malta attained its Independence. On this day, several activities take place in various localities.
12: Republic Day
Republic Day ceremony is observed on the 13th of December with gaiety and festivity. Horse races are held on this day at Marsa to mark the event.
Source: www.touringmalta.
