Malta is a Roman Catholic country and patron saints are really important in the locals’ minds. From May to September, you will enjoy the celebration feeling and the folklore in every Maltese town.
Also named ‘festas’, Maltese Feasts are parts of the culture on the islands. More than religious, village feasts play an important role in the story of Malta and they represent its folklore. For sure, Religious periods are also important. Indeed, Maltese people highly celebrate Christmas and Easter and you will enjoy seeing the decoration during these seasons.
You will be surprised by the many events you should attend in any villages in this country!
Village feasts
Bringing a sense of communal spirit, Maltese feasts are perfect events for summer holidays. You will love to spend time with your family discovering a village throughout its traditions!
Religion is the centre of Maltese Folklore and every village has its own patron saint. For example, Santa Marija is the most popular one, and has also become a National Holiday! One can also notice the importance of the Maltese culture which is embraced in village festas thanks to the traditional sweet and delicious ‘Qubbajt’ (which is the traditional nougat). Food stalls are set up in the street leading to the village square also known as the ‘pjazza’. You will be able to taste basic comfort food as well as Maltese specialities. Music is also an important part of the festas and village bands will perform during these events.
Throughout the entire summer, you will be abe to attend these unique celebrations, and most of them offer a beautiful firework display when night falls. Malta is one of the best places in the world when it comes to pyrotechnic displays and you may want to enjoy this spectacular entertainment!
Another important part of a feast is the statue highlighting, as it is a strong symbolic tradition in the feasts. The statues are located next to the churches or the central place of the village and the crowd meet there to celebrate the patron saint.
Even if you are not a religious person, you may not want to miss attending to a village festa and see the street decorations and the intricate detail in the decoration of the church in each village. The illuminated churches with prismatic colours become the most important place in the village.
These feasts can last from a couple of days to an entire week. If you want to enjoy the best ones you will find more information here.
Religious holidays
Christmas and Easter are really important celebrations. During the Holy Week just before Easter, locals take part in the ‘seven visits’. This event consists of visiting seven churches to pay homage to the Altar of Repose.
Maltese culture offers a large importance to food. That’s why during these periods, large banquets or lunches are organised with family and friends to celebrate being together.
You will enjoy being here during Maltese feasts because of the positive and festive atmosphere. Don’t miss anything and contact us for further information. You can also reach our blog on Upcoming Events, on which you should find any event you would like to attend.
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