There’s always something to celebrate in Malta. The islands are known for their village feasts —big local events with fireworks, music, and food—but the calendar is packed with much more. Each season has its own feel. In spring, you’ll see religious processions and flower-filled streets. Summer brings open-air concerts and lively nights. Autumn focuses on food, culture, and history. Winter lights up with Christmas markets, Carnival parades, and cosy traditions.
If you want to catch these festivals while staying close to everything, your best would be ST Hotels, located in Sliema and Gżira. With comfortable rooms, sea views, and easy access to buses and ferries, it’s a smart choice for travellers who want to make the most of their time on the islands. You’ll be near the coast, public transport, and some of Malta’s best-loved events.
With so much going on, it’s easy to find something exciting—no matter what month you visit.
Spring Festivals in Malta
As the weather warms up, Malta begins to wake up with fresh energy. Spring festivals mix religious tradition with food, music, and culture.
- Good Friday Processions are held in towns like Żebbuġ, Mosta, and Vittoriosa. Locals dress in robes and carry statues through candlelit streets in a quiet, moving event that draws big crowds.
- Easter Sunday brings a much brighter mood. In Senglea and Cospicua, statues of the Risen Christ are lifted high while confetti falls and brass bands play lively tunes.
- For something sweet, head to Mġarr for the Strawberry Festival (Festa Frawli). Local farmers set up stalls and children’s games to keep families entertained, and you can expect everything from strawberry cakes to smoothies.
- Over in Gozo, the Mediterranea Festival offers something a little different, such as talks on local history, live music, and traditional food.
Spring also marks the return of village feasts (festi). St. Publius in Floriana often leads the season with bright lights, music, and fireworks.
Summer Festivals in Malta
Summer in Malta is the liveliest time of year, with warm evenings and long days.
- One of the biggest events is Isle of MTV Malta, which is held in Floriana and free to attend. This concert attracts huge crowds and international artists.
- If you enjoy the arts, don’t miss:
- Malta International Arts Festival – A mix of theatre, music, and dance in historic venues.
- Malta Jazz Festival – Top jazz musicians perform near the Grand Harbour in July.
- Another traditional favourite is L-Imnarja on June 29. Held in Buskett Gardens, it features folk music, horse racing, and local dishes. Many Maltese families enjoy a picnic with fenkata, the island’s traditional rabbit stew.
- Summer also means that festa season is in full swing. These are some of the most exciting ones to attend:
- St. Paul’s Feast (Rabat) – Known for big processions and sky-filling fireworks
- St. Catherine (Żurrieq) – Famous for colourful pyrotechnics and band club rivalries.
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Balluta, Gżira) – Just a short stroll from ST Hotels.
- St. Julian’s Feast – A blend of faith and fun, with boat races and street parties.
Autumn Festivals in Malta
Autumn is a great time to slow down and enjoy a more cultural side of Malta. The temperatures are milder, and the island shifts to art, food, and history.
- Start with Notte Bianca in Valletta, which is a one-night-only event with music, performances, and museums open late. The streets are full of lights, crowds, and a festive buzz.
- Not far away, Birgufest lights up the streets of Birgu, with thousands of candles creating a glowing atmosphere. Expect folk music, food stalls, and historic open houses.
Autumn also brings great food festivals:
- Żejt iż-Żejtun – Celebrating the olive harvest with oil tastings, folk dancing, and artisan products.
- Qormi Bread Festival – A must for foodies. Local bakeries show off their best loaves, and you can watch traditional baking in action.
- Delicata Classic Wine Festival – Held in Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta. Enjoy Maltese wine with live music and harbour views.
If you like local culture and seasonal food, autumn is a lovely time to visit.
Winter Festivals in Malta
Winter in Malta may be cooler, but it still offers plenty to see and do. The islands take on a cosy feel, with lights and celebrations throughout the season.
- Christmas in Valletta and Gozo is full of charm. The streets sparkle with decorations, markets pop up, and nativity scenes (presepji) appear in windows and churches.
- For a truly unique experience, visit Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem. Set in Gozo, it’s a life-size nativity village with actors and live animals where you can walk through and see scenes brought to life.
- New Year’s Eve in Valletta is always popular. There are fireworks, music, and a big celebration in St George’s Square, with locals and tourists gathering to ring in the new year together.
- February brings Carnival, where Valletta and Nadur go all out with floats, costumes, and parades. Some floats are silly, some are satirical, but all are fun to watch.
- The season ends with the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck on February 10, which is a national holiday that honours St. Paul’s arrival in Malta. Look out for church services, processions, and traditional music.
The Bottom Line
There’s always something happening in Malta. Spring brings traditions, summer bursts with fireworks and music, autumn focuses on food and culture, and winter fills the streets with lights and festive cheer. These events are part of everyday life and visitors are always welcome to join in.
If you’re planning to explore Malta’s festivals, ST Hotels in Sliema and Gżira is a great place to stay. You’ll be close to public transport, main towns, and many local celebrations making it a comfortable base that makes it easy to enjoy the best of Malta, no matter when you visit.
