Malta might be small, but it’s full of history, culture, and some pretty fascinating traditions that have left a mark on its identity. If you’ve ever visited (or are planning to), it’s worth diving into the quirks that make this Mediterranean island so unique.
Here are a few Maltese traditions that might surprise you!
The Annual Carnival: A Week of Color and Chaos
Did you know that one of Malta’s most interesting traditions is its annual Carnival? This isn’t your average costume party. Towns like Valletta and Nadur (on Gozo) turn into “chaotic” hubs of creativity and colors, with locals dressing up in elaborate outfits, designing floats, and dancing through the streets. Nadur’s carnival is a bit edgier, more spontaneous and darker, so if you’re into quirky humor, you’ll love it. With participants creating floats and costumes that poke fun at current events, societal norms, or even each other. It’s less formal and more grassroots, with locals driving the humor and creativity.
Oh, and don’t miss the kids! They’re often the stars of the show, parading around in some of the most adorable (and hilarious) costumes you’ll ever see.
Festa Season: April – October
If you’re in Malta during summer, you’re bound to stumble across a “festa“, a religious festival dedicated to a town’s patron saint. It’s basically a long celebration season that starts towards the end of April and runs until the beginning of October, featuring colorful decorations, brass bands, processions, and…fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks.
Oh, and if you happen to hear cannons firing at 8 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday morning (and you will), don’t be alarmed—it’s all part of the tradition. Not the nicest way to wake up, perhaps, try and think of it as an alarm clock! Throughout the weekend of these fests, cannons are fired sporadically as a warm-up (or an earache) for the evening’s fireworks. Each town tries to outdo the other with its pyrotechnics, so expect the skies to light up in spectacular displays.
You’ll also find food stalls everywhere, serving traditional treats like nougat and pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas). Other popular delights include imqaret (date-filled pastries, typically fried), ħelwa tat-Tork (a sweet sesame-based treat), and savory snacks like qassatat (pastries filled with ricotta or spinach and tuna). For heartier fare, you might come across grilled sausages, and my favorite local cheeselets (gbejniet), and even bigilla (a traditional dip made from broad beans) served with crusty bread. Wash it all down with a refreshing Kinnie (Maltese Coca Cola) or a chilled Cisk beer for the full festa experience.
Il-Ġostra: Flag-Waving Acrobatics
During festas, you might notice something truly unique: a man climbing up a ladder with a massive flag, balancing it in ways that defy physics. This tradition, known as “Il-Ġostra,” is a mix of acrobatics and pride. It’s one of those things that you can’t quite believe until you see it in action.
L-Imnarja: The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul
Celebrated on June 29th, L-Imnarja is a feast with deep agricultural roots. The main event? A picnic at Buskett Gardens, right besides Verdala Palace, the official residence of the President of Malta. Here families gather to enjoy food, music, and most importantly…rabbit stew. (Yes, rabbit stew is a big deal in Malta.)
Traditionally, farmers used to showcase their best produce and animals during the festival. Today, you’ll still find races and displays, keeping the rural vibe alive.
Mnarja’s Sister Tradition: Horse and Donkey Races
While the main festivities honour St Peter and St Paul with a solemn Mass at Mdina Cathedral. The celebrations also include something a little unexpected: horse and donkey races. These happen in the village of Rabat, and they’re just as fun to watch as they sound. Picture animals trotting through narrow streets with cheering crowds lining the path, it’s chaotic but interesting.
Good Friday Processions: Silent and Powerful
Easter in Malta is a significant and deeply revered occasion, with Good Friday processions standing out as one of the most striking traditions. Statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ are paraded through towns, carried by locals in solemn silence. In an extraordinary display of devotion, some participants walk barefoot or in chains as an act of penance, adding to the atmosphere of reflection and reverence.
In some places, such as Victoria, Gozo, they also stage real-life enactments of the 13 Stations of the Cross. These enactments bring the Passion of Christ to life with great sensitivity and care. Thankfully, the 11th Station—where Christ is nailed to the cross—is not performed in a literal sense. Instead, this and other moments are symbolically represented, ensuring a respectful and solemn portrayal of the events. This tradition, steeped in faith and devotion, draws religious spectators from near and far, offering a profound cultural and spiritual experience.
Santa Marija: The Day Malta Nearly Starved
Santa Marija, the Feast of the Assumption, is one of Malta’s most significant celebrations, held on August 15th. Beyond its religious importance, it marks a turning point in Maltese history during World War II.
In 1942, Malta faced dire shortages due to relentless Axis attacks. On August 15th, a crucial Allied convoy, Operation Pedestal, arrived with vital supplies, preventing starvation. Only five of the original 14 ships made it through, including the heavily damaged SS Ohio, which was towed into port. The operation cost over 400 lives but was seen as miraculous by the Maltese, who attributed the timing to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Today, it’s a mix of gratitude, religious devotion, and (of course) fireworks.
Tout en un
Malta is full of surprises, offering a mix of great food, impressive fireworks, and century old traditions. You might feel like you’ve stepped back in time as locals carry heavy religious statues on their shoulders, supported by six men, with old tannoys on sticks amplifying solemn hymns. Just be prepared for the cannon shots early in the morning, adding an extra layer of tradition to the festivities. It is a good idea to check the Maltese traditions calendar is a great way to plan your visit around these special celebrations.
Lire la suite
Événements culturels et festivals à Malte
Intégration communautaire à Malte : Guide pour les expatriés
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