Malta Village Feasts| Experience A Valletta Feast Whilst In Malta

If you’re planning a trip to Malta, you’re probably already aware of the islands’ rich cultural experiences; the food, the military history, the architecture… but for a really memorable experience of true Maltese life, we definitely recommend you experience a Village Feast during your stay.

What is a Maltese Village Feast?

Malta’s Village Feasts, or “Village Festa” originates from the celebration of the Patron Saint of each village. Much like Ireland celebrates St. Patrick’s Day or England celebrates St. George’s Day. The village feasts are usually celebrated in the summer months from May to September and there are thought to be around 80 celebrations in Malta throughout the season.

The feast celebrations are an opportunity for the local community to come together and create something special together. Home owners in the area, churches and local businesses will work together and create a week’s worth of celebrations. The churches will be beautifully decorated and will ring their bells, and local business owners will set up stalls and help with decorations and music.

You can expect street food stalls, marching bands, processions, statues, live music and impressive fireworks, and a very busy, lively atmosphere throughout the village. A Maltese Feast is of course a great opportunity to try some local food too. ‘Mqaret’ is an indulgent deep-fried date cake – the air will be filled with the delicious smells, and ‘qubbajt’ is traditional nougat, that will be found in abundance during the celebrations.

Valletta’s Village Feasts

There are four village feasts in Valletta throughout the year, so if you co-ordinate your stay at Casa Ellul during any of these weeks you will be right at the heart of the celebrations.

Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck – February

10^th February is a National Holiday in Malta to celebrate the Feast of St. Paul.

St. Paul established the first Christian community in Malta. Celebrations center around the Church of Saint Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta, which was built in 1570. There’s a procession up to Republic Street and fireworks over the Grand Harbour.

Feast of St. Augustine – May

For a week, the third week of May, the streets of Malta will be beautifully decorated in the traditional red and gold colours – huge tapestry banners, Maltese flags, floral garlands and streamers will line the streets. There will be special services at The Church of Malta and a procession through the streets.

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – July

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also celebrated in the capital city of Valletta around mid-July. There will be colourful lights and decorations throughout Valletta and a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Brass bands will march throughout the main streets, fireworks will lighten the sky and there will be a cheerful atmosphere of solidarity.

Feast of St. Dominic – August

The Feast of St. Dominic is a formal ceremonious affair in Valletta taking place the first week of August. It includes a special mass service and the King’s Own Band take a traditional morning march from Merchant Street to Palace Square, where they salute the President with the Maltese National Anthem. There will be all the usual decorations and street stalls too.

Ideally you stay right in Valletta where all the action is happening, to enjoy these special celebrations during your stay in Malta. Casa Ellul features elegant suites with Jacuzzi & hot tub, a luxury boutique service and a gourmet restaurant.

If you’d like more information on making the most of the Village Feasts during your stay at Casa Ellul, just ask, we have enjoyed many years of festas ourselves!