Whether flying atop government buildings, churches, forts, or lining the streets during traditional Maltese festas, flags are an unmistakable part of the Maltese landscape. Their vibrant presence reveals the history of Malta, its religious heritage, and the national pride of a small island with a powerful story. In Malta, flag-waving is more than a gesture: it’s an art form rooted in centuries of meaning.

Officially adopted in 1964, the Maltese national flag marks the country’s independence. It features two vertical bands: white near the mast and red on the fly side, colors drawn from the emblem of the Order of St. John, which ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798.

In the upper left-hand corner sits the George Cross outlined in red, a decoration awarded by King George VI in 1942 to the entire Maltese population in recognition of their bravery during World War II. The Maltese flag thus honors both its chivalric heritage and the resilience of its people.

Every Maltese local council (Kunsill Lokali) has its own official coat of arms, regulated by law.

	The Capital Cities Three cities (Valletta, Mdina, and Birgu) hold the honor of wearing a four-towered mural crown, signaling their past or present status as capitals.
	The Cities (Città Status) Eight other cities, including Senglea (Città Invicta), bear a three-tower mural crown as a symbol of civic pride and historical significance.
	The Towns The remaining 55 towns, such as Għarb on the island of Gozo, display simpler coats of arms, without mural crowns, yet each one reflects unique local identity and history.

In summer, visitors to Malta can witness the lively Festi (village festivals) honoring patron saints. Each parish flag reflects its saint’s iconography and spiritual symbolism:

• St. Paul (Valletta, Mdina, Rabat): red and gold, crosses, symbols of conversion.
• St. George (Victoria, Gozo): bright red, slain dragon motifs, emblem of spiritual victory.
• St. Mary (Assumption): blue and white, symbols of purity and heaven.
• St. Joseph: yellow and white, colors linked to the papacy and protection of families.

These religious flags of Malta showcase the strong ties between faith, color, and identity in village life.

From May to October, Maltese Band Clubs animate towns with parades, processions, and fireworks. Each club proudly waves its own band flag, decorated with initials, musical instruments, patron saints, or local heraldry.

These flags represent more than music—they symbolize centuries of community tradition, occasional rivalries, and a deeply rooted festive spirit that unites generations.

The flag of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a red rectangle bearing a white Latin cross. Known as the Flag of Saint John, it has been used since the 12th century, when Pope Innocent II decreed that “religion at war must bear a standard with a white cross on a red background.”

In Malta, this flag is often seen flying above important monuments such as the Grand Masters’ Palace, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and Fort St. Angelo. It plays a ceremonial role in religious events, national celebrations, and historical reenactments.

Alongside it, the eight-pointed white Maltese cross appears on another red flag: the flag of the Order’s activities. Its eight points represent the knightly virtues: loyalty, piety, honesty, courage, honor, charity, justice, and humility. This symbol remains deeply woven into Malta’s cultural and visual identity.

Maltese flags are not just decorative emblems; they are visual expressions of identity, memory, and resistance. On an island long marked by foreign rule, every hoisted flag becomes an act of cultural affirmation: a way to honor the language, beliefs, and customs that have endured through centuries.