Malta Events Guide

Holy Week and Easter 

When?
Where? All over Malta and Gozo
What? East is the most important time of the year for the Catholic Church celebrated in a unique way in Malta. The festivities last for a week, starting on 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. Impressive processions fill the streets on Good Friday, carrying a selection of statues that represent different parts of the Passion of the Christ. Processions are usually held at 3pm.
Cost: Free

On Easter Sunday the festivities are considerably more positive and revellers enjoy hearty meals with their families.

Festa Frawli – Strawberry Festival

When?
Where? L-Mgarr, Malta
What? The annual Festa Frawli is taking place in the old, agricultural village of L-Mgarr. This village, tucked in between rolling green hills, it’s the perfect place for a festival dedicated to strawberries, grown in the fields surrounding the village. Throughout the day, visitors can browse through the buffet of strawberries, as well as fruit-based desserts, snacks, and drinks. There are also numerous craft stands selling local works and a series of folk bands performing during the event.
Cost: Free

Mdina Medieval Festival

When? Late April
Where? Mdina, Malta
What? Mdina is an impressively well preserved historical bastion city, and the Medieval festival in April takes the city right back to the Middle Ages. 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.
Event info: www.medievalmdina.eu
Cost: Free

Malta International Firework Festival

When? Late April
Where? The Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta (main location) and other locations (TBA).
What? 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, which takes place in April, there is a Grand Finale to end all grand finales at Barriera Wharf in Valletta.
Event info and programme: www.maltafireworksfestival.com
Cost: Free

The Changing of the Guards

What? The Changing of the Guard ceremony dates back to the 17th Century. Visitors can watch the guards change, as they did back in the days of the Grandmaster and his personal guards.
When? Every last Friday of the month, at 10:00am
Where? From Republic street into St. George’s (Palace) Square in Valletta.
Cost: Free

Earth Garden

When? May/June
Where? Ta` Qali National Park
What? 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.
Event info: www.earthgarden.com.mt
Cost: Varies per edition, usually €15 for a 1-day pass and €25 for the full event (4 days)

Valletta Film Festival

When?
Where? Valletta Film Festival happens at various venues around the Capital City turning some historic buildings into indoor and outdoor cinemas. The venues that will be used in 2018 are the following:

• Pjazza Teatru Rjal
• Spazju Kreattiv
• Valletta Campus Theatre
• Embassy Cinemas

The opening party of the Valletta Film Festival will take place at Hastings Gardens. The closing party venue is Herbert Ganado Gardens, just below the Central Bank of Valletta.
What? 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.
Event info: www.vallettafilmfestival.com
Cost: https://www.vallettafilmfestival.com/2018-tickets/

Saluting Battery

When? The site is open daily (except for major public holidays), between 10am and 5pm.
Where? Battery Street, Valletta, Malta
What? The Saluting Battery is an important piece of Malta’s history, and every day visitors get the chance to see it in action. At 12pm and 4pm sharp, the heavy guns are fired in the traditional fashion, marking the passage of time.  Highly recommended if you plan on spending some time in Malta’s capital.
Event info: http://www.salutingbattery.com/
Cost: Adults: €3 (including guided tour), Children: €1

Village Festas

What: 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. 

When? Throughout the year, mostly in summer.
Where? All over Malta and Gozo
Cost: Free