If you’re visiting Malta between May and October, experiencing at least one festa is essential to understand the heart and soul of Maltese culture. These vibrant village festivals, locally known as festi, transform towns and cities across Malta and Gozo into stunning spectacles of faith, fireworks, and festivity.
What Is a Festa?
A festa (plural: festi) is a traditional Maltese celebration held in honor of a village’s patron saint. Deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, festi combine spiritual devotion with music, fireworks, street food, and community spirit. Each town hosts its own festa, making it possible to experience a different celebration almost every weekend throughout summer.
👉 See the 2025 Maltese festa calendar.
In December 2023, the Maltese village festa was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, confirming its importance in preserving Malta’s cultural identity.
The Festa Experience: What to Expect
From Friday to Sunday, villages come alive with:
- Colorful street decorations and light displays
- Brass band parades (banda)
- Religious processions with saint statues
- Traditional food stalls (don’t miss nougat and Imqaret, date-filled pastries)
- Wine and rabbit stew in banda restaurants
- Fireworks—both by night and in broad daylight!
While the religious roots remain strong, festi have evolved into community-wide celebrations blending sacred and secular traditions. Expect a mix of music, joy, pride—and even a little rivalry between band clubs.
Behind the Scenes: A Year in the Making
Each festa is prepared months in advance by local volunteers and parish members. Streets are lined with banners, stages are built for musicians, and churches are dressed in their finest lights and colors. It’s a collective effort that involves entire communities and generations.
A Festa Day-by-Day
- 5–6 Days Before: The build-up begins with fanfare marches and
neighborhood gatherings. - Friday & Saturday: Expect louder fireworks, late-night events, and the famous Marċ il-Kbir (“Great March”)—a euphoric musical parade through the village.
- Sunday (Main Day): The highlight. Morning brings a festive march, and the evening culminates with a grand procession where the statue of the saint is carried through the streets amid confetti, chants, and dazzling fireworks. Don’t miss the Catherine wheels, traditional rotating fireworks often saved for the final night.
Fireworks & Rivalries: Malta’s Pyrotechnic Passion
Fireworks are a big deal in Malta—and festi are their main stage. Pyrotechnics are designed months in advance by expert craftsmen. Some villages, like Mqabba and Lija, are world-renowned for their award-winning firework displays, making the competition between band clubs a show in itself.
Best Festi in Malta and Gozo – 2025 Highlights
If you’re planning your trip, here are some of the most spectacular and authentic festi to experience:
Family-Friendly & Festive Atmosphere
- Zejtun – June 15
- Rabat – June 22
- Mosta – August 15
- Senglea – September 8 (tip: enjoy the procession from The Snop House terrace)
Fireworks over Senglea.
Fervent Celebrations with Village Pride
- Żurrieq – July 27 & September 7
Madonna tal-Karmnu and Santa Katarina festi are known for youthful energy and passionate local songs.
Fireworks Lovers’ Paradise
- Lija – August 6
- Mqabba – August 15
These towns offer Malta’s most impressive and innovative firework displays.
An Intimate Festa in Gozo
- Għajnsielem – August 31
Known as the “Feast of the Sun”, it honors Our Lady of Loreto and offers a cozy, local atmosphere.
