Festivals

Malta Carnival

Season or date: February (just before Lent)

Colorful floats and costume parades centered in Valletta and Nadur

Malta International Fireworks Festival

Season or date: Late April

Traditional fireworks competition illuminating the Three Cities bay

Holy Week

Season or date: Week before Easter

Candlelight processions and passion plays held throughout various locations

Mdina Medieval Festival

Season or date: April

Old capital Mdina bustling with medieval costumes and knight demonstrations

Malta International Jazz Festival

Season or date: July

World-class artists performing against the backdrop of the Grand Harbour at night

Isle of MTV Malta

Season or date: July

Europe's largest free pop concert

BirguFest

Season or date: October

Enchanting night when the historic city of Birgu is illuminated only by candles

Notte Bianca

Season or date: Early October

Cultural festival where Valletta's museums and palaces open free for one night

Festa Season (Village Festivals)

Season or date: May to September

Villages celebrate patron saints with parades and fireworks almost weekly

Christmas Illuminations

Season or date: December

The entire island decorated with Bethlehem nativity scenes and light displays

Public holidays

  • Independence Day (September 21)
  • Republic Day (December 13)
  • Freedom Day (March 31)
  • St. Paul's Shipwreck (February 10)
  • Workers' Day (May 1)
  • Assumption of Mary (August 15)
  • Nativity of Mary (September 8)
  • Christmas (December 25)