Festival and Events in Malta

Malta is the place that celebrates festivals all the year round. These festivals are celebrated with great mirth and joy and as a consequence lure a whole lot of tourists from various places in the world. The Maltese and the tourists both participate alike in the awesome festivals that take place during different times of the year. Here, one will find a wide range from religious festivals to traditional village fiestas, musical nights to food and wine carnivals. The festivals of Malta give another reason to visit this trending destination besides its beaches and rich cultural heritage.

Below is a list of few festivals and events of which you could be a part of, while on your trip to the promising land of Malta.

Carnival in Malta (February or March)

The carnival in Malta has been a significant event for five centuries by now since it began by the order of St. John. In Valletta and Birgu official celebration of the carnival is done where some knights play in tournaments. Carnival in Malta is celebrated in most of the villages and towns. The carnival begins prior to Ash Wednesday. The people of Malta engage in wild night parties, parades and marches of symbolic cars presided by the King of the carnival. The entire carnival is officially sponsored and there is a big show of fireworks at the conclusion of the event...

Holy Week (usually in April)

As it is a well-known fact that people of Malta are ardent devotees and followers of Christianity. Also, the history of Malta and many churches in here supports this statement. During the holy week, many people visit the churches to celebrate and honour the birth and renaissance of Christ. The Holy Week begins on the Friday before Good Friday. The event commences with the life-size statue of Lady of Sorrows that is carried by the parade on the streets of many cities and villages in Malta. The people wear costumes that copy clothes from Old Testament. Such processions are also carried on Easter and Good Friday. On the last day of the holy week, people carry the statue of "Risen Christ", rejoicing the restoration of Jesus Christ.

Malta International Fireworks Festival (late April)

This festival of Fireworks is a dazzling event, celebrated each year to display the various types of fireworks. Malta has proven a long history of fireworks since the reign of Order of the Knights which is one of the major attractions for individual who is on holidays to Malta, as at that time explosives were used to celebrate special occasions. The Malta Fireworks Festival is organised by the Maltese tourism and cultural authorities and in the festival, the firework factories of Malta and other countries are invited to show their expertise and exhibit those in 2 days light and music show. The venue of this great event is Grand Harbour of Valletta and it is suggested to get a seat in the Barriere Wharf to have the best view of the festival and enjoy your cheap family holidays.

Malta’s Delicata Wine Festival (early August)

Malta’s wine festival started in 2002. It marks the beginning of the harvest time of wine. The festival offers a wide variety of exquisite wines from various places in Malta and Gozo. The whole event takes place amid a marvellous setting of the Barrakka Gardens in the Grand Harbour of Valletta. Here at the event, one can buy a beautiful wine glass at the entrance which may cost up to £ 8. Different wines could be tasted while watching the live performances of the artists. There are many exotic Maltese and International dishes, at the wine festival which could be relished with a glass of your favourite wine. One can taste and choose from the wide variety of wines to purchase their stuff and carry back home.

Birgu Fest (October)

The Birgu Fest in genuine is the biggest cultural event in the history of Malta. It is actually the flaunting of Birgu’s rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. The festival lasts for 3 consecutive days, and the programmes that are held throughout the day consists of traditional and contemporary musical concerts, parades, exhibitions etc. Some of the otherwise closed venues in Malta remain open during these festive days. There are many food stalls too at the venue that offer tasty Maltese delicacies to sustain you during the festival. The highlight of the fest is one day during which the whole city is illuminated with candles making it the most beautiful place on that day.

Malta is a place that is known for its awesome cultural heritage and astounding beauty. This city celebrates some stupendous festivals too that should not be missed when you are on city breaks to Malta.

Andy is a travel blogger at Holiday Desire. His favourite trips require an unhealthy backpacking addiction, passport, low-cost holiday packages and other stuff.