Easter is one of the most important religious events in the Catholic Calendar. In Malta, Easter is also a big celebration and one of the most colorful times to be around the island. It’s a time of processions, pageants, bell ringing and band marches. It’s time for local traditions, laughter, and food consumed only during Easter, and it’s time for lavishly decorated churches ready to immerse in Easter rituals.
What’s happening over Easter in Malta?
The combination of good food, local traditions and beautiful sunny weather, makes Easter time in Malta enjoyable for both the locals and tourists. Every year, Holy (Easter) Week in Malta takes place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and it is packed with religious celebrations and cultural activities. Whether you are religious or not, Easter in Malta is a beautiful sight to see. Those not-so-religious people are always welcome to just watch the exciting Maltese Easter traditions, or, enjoy the beautiful places this tiny island has to offer during this time of the year.
Holy Week – Maltese Churches
Malta officially celebrates Easter beginning on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday. However, events begin already on the Friday before Good Friday. On the Friday preceding Good Friday, the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in a procession (image below, procession in Valletta) through the streets of many towns around the island, which is the unofficial opening of the Holy Week celebrations. The following religious festivals take place during Holy Week: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Image credit to Father Julian
On Palm Sunday, Parish churches bless palm leaves and olive branches.
Maundy Thursday is celebrated on the eve of Good Friday. The very same day, local devotees visit the ‘seven churches’ where they pray beside the tomb of Christ. This tradition is known as ‘Seba Visti.’
Good Friday is a day of mourning, and no church bells are rung. Religious processions will take place around the Maltese islands, where a procession of statues is led through the church out around the parish and back to the church. Places to visit are: Żebbuġ (Malta) is famous for its extravagance and use of horses, and Xaghra in (Gozo) is home to the most prominent procession.
On Holy Saturday, late at night, at around 11 pm, people begin to gather at the church to take part in the Easter Vigil.
Easter Sunday brings a genuinely happy atmosphere throughout the island. The ringing of the church bells starts first thing in the morning and announces the Risen Christ. Mid-morning, a procession is held, where statues of Christ are carried.
Image credit to Sotheby’s
Venture Away From The Crowd
Holy Week in Malta is celebrated by many festivals and events. But, during the Easter week, one can also enjoy the other, more quiet side of Malta. You can take a hike through Malta’s stunning landscape or, if feeling adventurous, take a dip in the crystal clear Maltese seas. Venture away from the crowd and visit:
Comino
Feeling Easter lazy? Work on your tan and take a boat ride. From Ċirkewwa harbour, take a quick boat trip over to the neighbouring island of Comino. Comino is best known for Blue Lagoon, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or for a picnic on the beach.
Nature and History Parks & Gardens
The Majjistral History and Nature Park is the largest nature park (extending from Golden Bay to Popeye Village), located in the Northwest part of Malta. The Majjistral Park contains many historical and archaeological sites. The park is freely accessible to visitors.
Image credit to Happy Hermit
Ghadira Nature Reserve in Mellieha and Is-Simar Nature Reserve in Xemxija are the largest remaining areas of salt marsh in Malta.
Xemxija Heritage Trail consists of 20 sites of archaeological importance all within walking distance from one another, taking about 90 minutes to complete. Just around the corner from Porto Azzurro Aparthotel.
Buskett Gardens in Rabat built in the mid-1500’s by Grandmaster La Vallette. Great spot for tourists and locals to have a picnic or take a walk.
Breathtaking Dingli Cliffs
If you want some panoramic coastal views or an attractive scenic and relaxing walk, then this is the place for you. You can easily get to Dingli Cliffs if you have a car. The public bus will take you there, but it will require you to do some walking. For more information about public transport visit: Malta Public Transport.com.mt.
Image credit to Static Panoramio
Mellieha Bay – Popeye Village
Who does not want to be greeted by Popeye the sailor and his friends?
Originally designed in 1980 as the movie set for Robert Altman’s Popeye, starring the late Robin Williams, the Popeye Village is situated just off Mellieha Bay. This is the perfect place for families to visit while in Malta and a great place to take your kids to meet word-famous cartoon characters. Popeye Village Malta is one of the major tourist attractions on the Maltese Islands and is open all year round. Opening Hours: Nov to Mar: 9.30 – 16.30 / Apr to Jun, Sep & Oct: 9.30 – 17.30 / Jul & Aug: 9.30- 19.00.
Transport – You can take a bus, which is the most cost-effective (less than €3 per person) way to reach Popeye Village, or, you can enjoy an express Popeye ride. Popeye express buses running to Popeye Village pick up people directly from their hotels, and they drop visitors back to their hotels. For reservations, call on +356 2152 478234.
Relax and Stroll The Sandy Coasts Close By
Don’t leave just yet. While at Popeye Village, visit the Anchor Bay. There are also other beaches to consider all located in the North of the island. Most of the places are easy to reach by bus and several buses will take you even directly to the below-listed bays and beaches.
- Anchor Bay is the home to Popeye Village. Why not stop by and relax for a moment while visiting the Popeye Village.
- Mistra Bay in Xemxija – The sandy bank makes for an easy sloped entry and extends into a more pebbly area.
- Ghadira Mellieha Bay is located in the far North of the island, great for families. Several buses will take you straight to Mellieha Bay.
- Paradise Bay is located in the farthest North point of Malta, and you can see both Comino and Gozo from the beach. Buses are available from various locations in Malta to Paradise Bay Beach.
- Armier and Little Armier are the two neighbouring sandy family-friendly beaches of Armier Bay, located in the Northernmost part of Malta, in a quiet and remote area.
- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, sometimes called Riviera, is one of the most spectacular unspoilt beaches in Malta. This beautiful and special sandy beach is located in the North West part of Malta and it is very easy to reach by bus.
- Golden Bay (image below) is a very beautiful and popular beach located along unspoilt countryside in Northwest Malta. The beach is easily accessible by car and by bus.
Image credit to Jrn107
Feeling Adventurous? Try Golden Bay Horse Riding at the Sunset
Enjoy Horseback riding in the historic nature park located in the North East of Malta. Booking in advance is highly recommended. For more information, call on 356 2157 3360. The price for this ride is €30 per person and if book through this website they will refund your public transport ticket upon presentation of your ticket at the stables. The official website is Golden Bay Horse Riding.
Last but not Least – Easter Food in Malta
Easter Day is traditionally celebrated with the family and a celebratory lunch consisting of lamb, potatoes and vegetables, as well as the following delights:
‘Kwarezimal’ is a traditional Maltese sweet for Lent, drizzled with honey and nuts and usually prepared dairy-free.
Image credit to Little Rock
Apostles bread rings (Qaghaq ta’ l-Appostli) – This bread is prepared for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. This traditional Maltese bread is a ring-shaped loaf of unleavened bread, decorated with roasted almonds and sesame seeds on the top. This bread is often sold near the churches.
Image credit to A Maltese Mouthful
Figolli are marzipan-filled biscuits, traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday and are the most popular traditional Easter food. Figolli are baked and given to friends and family, especially children. On Easter Sunday, children accompany the procession, carrying the figolla with them to be blessed. After dinner, a figoall is given to children.
Image credit to Eatinmykitchen.com
Ċisk
Not a traditional Easter drink, but after a long and exciting day, why not enjoy a glass of Ċisk (pron. Ch-isk), the most popular (locally brewed) beer that’s easy, with a gentle flavor. A very refreshing drink to have on a warm day, in the comfort of your hotel room. 
Hope to greet you soon, Happy Easter Holidays to you all from us at Porto Azzurro Aparthotel, Malta.
Image credit to Commons
