The most popular Malta village feasts in summer

Maltese summer nights are particularly memorable for their long history of village feasts, or festas in Maltese. Between our religious celebrations, organised by the local parishes, are well known for their bright firework displays, processions, vibrant colours, band marches performing village favourites, crowds of people and electric atmosphere.

These famous celebrations are undoubtedly a huge part of Maltese culture. Since every village has at least one patron saint, there are approximately 60 village festas that take place annually in summer alone. Each festa is filled with life and folklore - some feasts have even become national holidays.

Attending just one of these festas is sure to be an unforgettable cultural experience of food, music and drinks. Feast-goers are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking delicious and cheap sugary sweets, served from traditional wooden stalls populated around the streets.

Colourful, loud, and exciting, Malta’s pyrotechnic abilities are shown off at every festa, including the even more dazzling ġigġifogu, or pinwheels.

The ceremonial highlight of any festa is the carrying of the statue of the village saint, out of the church and into the streets, accompanied by a cheering crowd often following behind. The facade of the main church in the village is normally covered in hundreds of lights, which gives it a picture perfect look.

The essence of all that is Mediterranean - countless locals and foreigners make their way to the village festa to enjoy the entertaining festivities they have to offer. Take a look at our pick of some of the most popular festas in Malta and Gozo.

Popular Festas in Malta (2017)

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Sacro Cuor Parish, Sliema

2nd July

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Gzira

9th July

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta

St. Joseph, Msida

16th July

Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Paul's Bay

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Balluta

30th July

St. Dominic, Valletta

Our Lady of Lourdes, San Gwann

6th August

The Assumption of Our Lady, Mosta

The Assumption of Our Lady, locally known as Santa Marija is actually celebrated in seven, yes 7, different villages around Malta and Gozo, but the one in Mosta is one of the most popular feasts.

Given that the 15th is also a public holiday, the Maltese love this feast, and it is also somewhat of a tradition for the locals to flock to the sister island to enjoy their mid-summer holidays there.

15th August

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Stella Maris Parish, Sliema

20th August

St. Julian, St. Julian's

27th August

St. Gregory the Great, Sliema

3rd September

The Nativity of Our Lady, Naxxar

"Il-Bambina" is another much-loved holiday in Malta, because it is also a public holiday. You'll find that the traditional Maltese Regatta (a race with small rowing boats) is held in the Grand Harbour on this day, besides the feast in Naxxar.

8th September

Our Lady of Consolation, Santu Wistin, Valletta

29th September

Popular Festas in Gozo (2017)

Our Lady of Soccorso, Kercem