Fireworks echo throughout the day, village streets are beautifully decorated, families gather around the table, and celebrations are taking place across Malta and Gozo. L-Imnarja is one of those special occasions that truly marks the arrival of the island’s vibrant summer festa season.
Celebrated every year on 29 June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the oldest public holidays in the Maltese Islands. While its roots are religious, today it is equally a celebration of local traditions, community spirit and the unique culture that continues to bring people together.
More Than a Public Holiday
L-Imnarja has been celebrated in Malta for centuries. Its name is believed to come from the Italian word Luminaria, meaning “festival of lights”, although today it is best known as a celebration of Malta’s rural heritage and local traditions.
Unlike some public holidays that simply mean a day off work, L-Imnarja is still very much alive. It is a day when many families continue customs that have been passed down through generations.
Why Everyone Heads to Buskett
If there is one place most closely associated with L-Imnarja, it is Buskett Gardens. Every year, the area comes alive with agricultural exhibitions, local produce, traditional crafts and entertainment. It is one of the few occasions when Malta’s farming heritage takes centre stage, giving visitors the chance to experience a different side of island life. For many families, spending at least part of the day in Buskett has become a tradition in itself.
A Feast That Tastes Like Malta
No article about L-Imnarja would be complete without mentioning fenkata. Rabbit has long been associated with this feast, and many families gather around the table to enjoy a traditional rabbit meal together. Restaurants across Malta often include rabbit dishes on their menus today, making it one of the busiest days of the year for lovers of Maltese cuisine.
Even if rabbit isn’t your favourite, today is a great excuse to explore some of Malta’s traditional food.
How Do Gozitans Celebrate L-Imnarja?
While many people in Malta associate L-Imnarja with Buskett, Gozo celebrates the feast in its own unique way.
The heart of the celebrations is Nadur, where Saints Peter and Paul are the village’s patron saints. In the days leading up to the feast, the village comes alive with colourful decorations, band marches, spectacular fireworks and the traditional religious procession, creating one of the biggest and most anticipated festas on the island.
Alongside the religious celebrations, Nadur also embraces the rural roots of L-Imnarja through agricultural exhibitions, artisan displays and local food that reflect Gozo’s farming traditions and close-knit community.
For many Gozitans, L-Imnarja is more than just a public holiday. It marks one of the highlights of the summer festa season, bringing together faith, family, tradition and village life in a way that makes the celebration truly special.
What Should Expats Expect Today?
As L-Imnarja is an official public holiday, government departments and many offices are closed. Some businesses operate with reduced hours, while restaurants, cafés and attractions in tourist areas generally remain open. If you’re planning errands today, it’s worth checking opening hours before heading out.
A Great Opportunity to Experience Local Culture
Whether you spend today exploring Buskett, enjoying the festa atmosphere in Nadur, or simply sharing a traditional meal with family and friends, L-Imnarja is a wonderful reminder of what makes the Maltese Islands so special.
As the Maltese often say, “A festa is more than a celebration, it’s a way of bringing people together.” And L-Imnarja is one of the best examples of that.
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