Festa in Malta
Throughout the year there’s always something happening to keep the tourists happy, something to celebrate and to keep them involved in the Maltese way of life.
It’s Festa time all year round with the year starting off with the tradition of family gatherings and exchanging of gifts called l-Istrina – with festivities extending through the first week of January, including the Epiphany concert at the Grand Masters’ Palace in Valletta.
February brings along the first Festa of the year with the celebration of St. Paul’s shipwreck on the 10th of the month in Valletta. There is then the boisterous, colourful and highly enjoyable atmosphere of carnival which takes place between February and March.
Religious pageantry dominates the Maltese islands during Easter week, both within the churches as well as in the awe – inspiring pageants and processions with life size figures projecting the various stages of Christ’s passion and death on Good Friday. Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing also reflected in the processions with the Risen Christ.
The spring season starts off with the Valletta History and Elegance Festival followed by the Malta Fireworks Festival in May. This event is held at the Grand Harbour and creates a breathtaking atmosphere with the spectacular fireworks display having Fort St. Angelo as its austere background.
The Summer months, from early June up to September, are dominated by the Festa Season. All towns and villages have their own Festa week with church celebrations, processions with the patron Saint, ringing of bells, illuminations, band marches and attractive firework displays.
The Birgu Festival in October celebrates the old maritime town of Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa. The main streets of the town will be decorated. During the Malta International Choir Festival, held in November, choirs from all over Europe participate in a week of choral music at one of the islands most prestigious venues, The Mediterranean Conference Centre.
December brings along the typical Maltese and Mediterranean Christmas atmosphere. It is a time of joy centered around the crib and the Religious Festivities when the baroque parish churches are bedecked in Papal crimson leading on to the mid-night mass and ceremonies on Christmas Eve.