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Events in Malta take place regularly, ranging from local culture to international music events and other types of celebrations.
Here you’ll find some of my favourite events for 2023 that you’ll enjoy. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there are plenty of choices regarding what to do in Malta.
Malta has a rich history and a heavy involvement with the arts scene, as well as a fun and jovial personality. All sorts of events happen on a daily basis and being a relatively small country, all events are easy to get to and enjoy.
Last updated on March 29th, 2023
When? On most Sundays, at 12 pm during the months of Jan-May and Oct-Dec. Duration: 45 minutes.
Where? Fort St. Elmo (Valletta)
Why visit? Re-enactments from the time of the Knights of Malta, within one of the many fortifications they built during their rule over Malta.
Type: Historical re-enactment
Cost: €7 for adults, €3 for children
Taking place regularly on Sundays, the In Guardia is a spectacle of re-enactments with drills, sword fighting and artillery from the time of the Knights. This is a permanent fixture, played out in traditional uniforms amongst a life-like military drill demonstration and set within one of the bigger forts from the same era: Fort St. Elmo. It’s a lively experience and really adds another dimension to the already impressive fort, giving you a vivid impression of an important historical period in Malta.
This event is not held during the summer months (June, July, August and September) because of the scorching heat and the heavy clothing and armour required for these re-enactments.
When? Every last Friday of the month, at 10:30 am
Where? From Republic street into St. George’s (Palace) Square, Valletta, Malta
Why visit? It’s quite a sight to behold, far more elaborate than most other changing of the guard processions, infused with history.
Type: Historical
Cost: Free
The Changing of the Guard ceremony dates back to the 17th Century. Back in the 70s, the event was suspended due to budget cuts, but it has recently been brought back as part of a re-invigoration campaign. Visitors can watch the guards change, as they did back in the days of the Grandmaster and his personal guards, and then enjoy the military band in a musical procession.
When? The site is open daily (except for major public holidays), between 10 am and 4.30 pm.
Where? Battery Street, Valletta, Malta. (Entrance in the middle of the Upper Barrakka Gardens.)
Why visit? A historical location and re-enactment that leaves an impression. Highly recommended if you plan on spending some time in Malta’s capital.
Type: Historical
Cost: Adults: €3 (including guided tour), Children: €1
The Saluting Battery is an important piece of Malta’s history, and every day visitors get the chance to see it in action. At 12 pm and 4 pm sharp, the heavy guns are fired in the traditional fashion, marking the passage of time. Located at one of the highest points in Malta, the Saluting Battery also boasts magnificent views across the Grand Harbour and beyond.
When? Throughout the year, mostly in summer. 2023 Calendar here.
Where? All over Malta and Gozo
Why visit? One of the most iconic cultural events in Malta and something to experience.
Cost: Free
Type: Cultural
Throughout the year (and more popularly during the summer months), Malta and Gozo offer an array of colour and cheeriness as, every weekend, there is a traditional village feast somewhere on the islands.
Each village’s patron saint is celebrated, and although originally a religious celebration it’s the event of the year for the local villagers, filled with band music during the day and fireworks, drink and food in the evenings.
Expect winding trails of parades, traditional costumes, and local, traditional Maltese music, all topped off nicely with delicious food and refreshing drinks with the sight and sound of fireworks.
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When? Late March/Early April. This year: Sun 2 April – Sat 8 April 2023. Easter Sunday: 9 April 2023.
Where? All over Malta and Gozo
Why visit? The most important time of the year for the Catholic Church is celebrated in a unique way in Malta.
Cost: Free
Type: Religious
Easter is a huge celebration in Malta and the festivities last for a week, starting on the Friday before Good Friday with a procession featuring the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows through the streets of Valletta.
On Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) the ‘seven visits’ take place, where celebrators visit seven churches of their choice in the evening, paying their respect to the Altars of Repose. Most churches open their doors for the bigger part of the evening.
Sombre but impressive processions fill the streets on Good Friday, carrying a selection of statues that represent different parts of the Passion of the Christ. On Easter Sunday the festivities are considerably more positive as the statue of the Risen Christ is taken back to the church and revellers enjoy hearty meals with their families.
To attend a Good Friday procession, I’d recommend going to Naxxar, Senglea, Zebbug or Mosta. Processions are usually held at 3 pm and I highly recommend being there early to avoid difficulty finding a spot to park or getting stuck on a bus in traffic.
Several processions are held on Easter Sunday across Malta and Gozo, mostly in the morning at around 9 or 10 am.
When? April – This year: Sun 16 April 2023
Where? Mġarr, Malta
Why visit? Good excuse to visit one of the nicer villages on the island and obviously for getting high on fresh strawberry supply. ?
Type: Food
Cost: Free (well, except for the strawberries themselves of course)
Who doesn’t like strawberries? The plump, juicy red fruits take pride of place at the annual Festa Frawli in the old, agricultural village of Mġarr. Tucked in between rolling green hills, it’s the perfect place for a festival dedicated to strawberries, grown in the fields surrounding the village known for its agricultural produce. The streets around the parish church, as well as the square in front of it, will be packed with stalls selling strawberries.
Throughout the day, visitors can browse through the buffet of strawberries, as well as fruit-based desserts, snacks, and drinks – look out for the novelty dishes, too! There are also numerous craft stands selling local works and a series of folk bands performing during the event.
It’s become a popular event in recent years, which means two things: Limited parking and strawberries selling out quickly. Attend early – the event usually starts at 9:30am – to avoid traffic, parking issues and for a relatively pain-free return trip, beating the crowds.
When? Late April/Early May – This year: 24th-30th April
Where? Various locations – TBA
Why visit? Spectacular fireworks show with an impressive backdrop of very distinct locations across Malta and Gozo at night. What’s not to like?
Type: Cultural
Cost: Free
Fireworks are always a great idea and they add a bit of whimsical wonderment to any event. The International Fireworks Festival features spectacular shows by local firework factories, as well as professional pyrotechnic companies from further afield. On the final day of the event, there is a Grand Finale to end all grand finales at Barriera Wharf in Valletta and the harbourside and bastions on that side of the city will be lined with spectators and enthusiast photographers to witness the action.
Tips:
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When? This year: TBA
Where? Mdina, Malta
Why attend? While Mdina itself already brings you back into the past, seeing and hearing what the streets of Mdina might’ve been like in days gone by makes for a unique experience.
Type: Historical
Cost: Free
Mdina is an impressively well preserved historical bastion city, and the Medieval festival in May takes the city right back to the Middle Ages, encouraging visitors to dabble in a spot of time travel and experience the heady days of the knighthood. In addition, traditional, local music floats down the streets and flowers adorn every available space spreading the jovial feeling of spring.
There’s usually also a falconry display and various exhibitions are held around the old bastion city.
TIP: Parking is limited so if you’re planning to go by car you’re better off parking near the National Park at Ta’ Qali and making use of free organised transport to get you to/from Mdina. It’ll be a 10-minute ride and will save you a lot of hassle.
When? May/June – This year: 2-4 June 2023
Where? Ta’ Qali National Park
Why visit? Good music and food with a laid-back attitude.
Type: Music
Cost: Varies per edition (TBA for 2023, usually €15 for a 1-day pass and €25 for the full event (4 days)
This annual music and arts festival that spans three days in spring is a popular event among local youths, carrying a message of care for the environment. Several live bands perform, both local and foreign and the weather never disappoints at this time of year, all in all creating a great laid back, outdoor event to attend.
So grab a beer and some food, find yourself a nice patch and just chill out.
When? 15th June, 2023
Where? Valletta, Floriana and St. Julian’s
Why attend? Classical music performances by artists from across the globe.
Type: Music
Cost: Ticket prices vary for each concert.
The Malta International Music Festival presents a series of concerts performing pieces of classical music by local and international orchestras and soloists. Concerts are held daily at two key locations: The Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta (housed in the Knights’ former hospital, with beautiful classical interiors) and Robert Samut Hall, a beautiful Neo-Gothic church in the neighbouring town of Floriana.
For a full programme of concerts as well as tickets please visit the organiser’s site.
When? 5-10th June, 2023
Where? Laparelli Gardens, Valletta
Type: Cultural
Cost: Free
Enjoy an early summer’s night out with open-air screenings of various blockbuster movies across four nights.
The selection of films usually contains scenes filmed in Valletta, highlighting its importance in the international world of film.
Seats are limited and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis by the Ministry of Tourism, Valletta Cultural Agency and others.
When? June/July – This year: 16 June – 2 July 2023
Where? Valletta, Malta
Why visit? A large variety of artists and performances in a great setting.
Type: Cultural
Cost: Free
The piece a la resistance of the Malta art scene, the Arts Festival is a major event celebrating a huge variety of art forms, including (but by no means limited to) music, dance, theatre, and art. Set throughout some of the most important cultural buildings in Valletta, visitors can explore Malta’s extraordinary and expansive arts scene in a concentrated space.
When? 29th June (annually)
Where? Buskett Gardens, Malta
Type: Cultural
Cost: Free
Meaning “Festival of Light”, L-Imnarja dates way back to the days before the Knights even arrived in Malta. Its roots stem from the solstice fires that burned throughout festivities but, today, the festival is a merry event for spending time with family and loved ones – picnics are the perfect pastime, and the wine is free-flowing, plus there is a selection of live acoustic music as darkness falls.
Why attend? It’s a great opportunity to see some important aspects of Maltese culture, giving you a taste of what the Maltese people’s heritage is all about.
When? 21st – 25th June, 2023
Where? Argotti Botanic Gardens, Floriana
Type: Cultural
Cost: TBA
What’s more enjoyable than sampling some of the best local (and a selection of international) wines on an early summer’s night? Have a chill night out in the beautiful surroundings of Argotti Gardens (outskirts of Valletta) while enjoying food and live music.
Know of an event in Malta you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment and let me know!
Looking for more ideas? Here’s a big list of Things to do in Malta
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Brilliant info, thanks for the heads up. We are visiting in June and looking forward to the Isle of MTV festival.
Welcome Scott, hope you have a blast!
Many thanks for the information. We will be visiting Malta next week and will be looking forward to using your recommendations. A very good and informative site, your time and effort are much appreciated
Glad to hear, thank you for your kind comments John!
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