Things to do in Malta

Like every country, Malta has its own traditions. These include the traditional Maltese ‘festas’ (feasts) which play an important role in the culture of this island and its people. Some interesting facts about ‘festas’:

  • Every year, around 95 ‘festas’ are held around Malta and 10 in Gozo
  • Most of these celebrations take place between May and September
  • This Maltese tradition started between the years 1775-1797 when the island was under the rule of the Knights of St John
  • Some villages, which have multiple parishes, celebrate two patron saints while other towns only one
  • There are times when different villages celebrate the same ‘festa’ at the same time
  • The main events happening during a ‘festa’ are religious processions, gatherings, fireworks, food stalls and band marches

A typical ‘festa’ would include lots of sounds and groups of locals gathering around the village, typically in the square or where the church is located.. Visiting Malta during one of these celebrations is something special, with the squares filled with festoons and religious images. The ‘festa’ preparations come together thanks to the voluntary help of passioned locals who sometimes also fund these outdoor activities. All this culminates in spectacular displays of fireworks which illuminate the night skies.

Some of the most important feasts are the following:

  • From September 1 to 8, the town of Mellieha, where Hotel VIU57 is located, celebrates its feast
  • On the 10th of February, Malta celebrates the Feast of Saint Paul in honour of Saint Paul’s shipwreck
  • On the 19th of March, main celebrations for Saint Joseph are held in Mdina and Rabat

These are just three of the several feasts which take place in Malta throughout the year.‘Festas’ give visitors a unique insight into Malta’s rich culture and long standing traditions.