Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck 2025 in Malta

Among the "saint days" in the Maltese church calendar, the Feast of Saint Paul is one of only a handful that has the status of a national holiday

Dates: February 10

The Maltese people hold a deep belief that the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked near their island’s coast around A.D. 60, an event they commemorate with grandeur and devotion. In Valletta, the nation’s capital, the streets come alive with a vibrant and impressive procession, where the city’s strongest men carry a towering statue of the revered evangelist on their shoulders.

Celebration Highlights

The parade is accompanied by thunderous applause from the audience, the music of brass bands, and crowds of costumed people. Pious old ladies sprinkle the procession with confetti from the balconies along the way. The holiday ends with a Solemn Mass in the name of the Church of St Paul's Shipwreck, one of Valletta's oldest churches. And traditionally, you can watch fireworks over Grand Harbor.

History of the Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck

While being transported to Rome as a prisoner, Paul's ship was wrecked in a storm and driven ashore in Malta. Welcomed by the islanders, he was bitten by a poisonous snake while gathering firewood but suffered no harm, astonishing the locals. Paul went on to heal the father of a local official, drawing many islanders to him for healing. After three months on the island, he continued his journey to Rome.

However, some researchers refute this version, claiming that the shipwreck happened in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. Nevertheless, St. Paul is the patron saint of the Maltese and wildly supported by them.

Significance

The Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck is a significant public holiday in Malta and marks the first outdoor celebration of the year, as most religious feasts take place during the warmer months. Despite the chilly February weather, devoted followers from across Malta gather in unwavering numbers to honor the saint. The festivities are notably more solemn compared to other feasts, reflecting the importance of St. Paul. Yet, St. Paul's Street transforms into a vibrant spectacle, with balconies and homes adorned with banners and festoons, while local bars and restaurants enthusiastically join in the celebrations.