During the summer weekends, Maltese towns and villages celebrate famous festas or feasts—days of their patron saint or other revered saints in their churches. In Malta, this period lasts roughly from late May to October. The festival remains an important part of the traditions of Maltese villages, helping to preserve the identity and cultural heritage of the entire region.
Village Feasts Traditions
Volunteer community members prepare for this holiday throughout the year, and the event usually lasts a week. Locals, in particular, clean the houses and even paint the facades to refresh their color. On the last day, the statue of the saint is carried in a procession led by the clergy, accompanied by parishioners and bands. Certain parishes organize a kids' celebration alongside the church, during which children carry a smaller statue through the town. The main streets and squares, balconies, and rooftops of houses are decorated with bright festoons, illuminations, national or other colored flags, statues, and flowers.
During the festivities, guests can also try the traditional Maltese dishes and fast food that fill the festival streets. Maltese nougat and other sweet delicacies are among the most popular mid locals and visitors. And what is a feast without fireworks? Maltese people gather in the central square to admire the magical colors of a lighted sky. Famers also offer cheese, meat, wine, and sweets. The holiday is full of lots of music and features a traditional church mass.
The Best Maltese Festas
The most spectacular summer festas in Malta are: Our Lady of the Lily in Mqabba (3rd Sunday of June), Saint Philip in Zebbug (2nd Sunday of June), Mount Carmel in Zurrieq (last Sunday of July), Saint Mary of Imqabba, Qrendi (on August 15), Għajnsielem Festa – Our Lady of Loreto (last Sunday of August) Saint Catherine in Zurrieq (1st Sunday of September), and closing festa—the Nativity of Our Lady in Mellieha and Naxxar (September 8).
