Malta

Malta : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Malta

Malta celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, religious traditions, and historical milestones. These holidays are marked by various festivities, religious ceremonies, and moments of national pride. Many holidays are deeply connected to the Catholic faith, which plays a significant role in Maltese society.

• New Year's Day
  Date: January 1
  Origin & Significance: Marks the beginning of the new calendar year.
  Observance: A day of rest and family gatherings, often accompanied by fireworks and celebrations the night before.

• Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck
  Date: February 10
  Origin & Significance: Commemorates the shipwreck of Saint Paul on Malta, an event pivotal to Malta's Christian history.
  Observance: Religious processions and church services, especially in Valletta where the event is nationally significant.

• Feast of Saint Joseph
  Date: March 19
  Origin & Significance: Honours Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and patron saint of workers.
  Observance: Celebrated with masses and community festivities; traditional sweets like "Figolli" are popular.

• Freedom Day
  Date: March 31
  Origin & Significance: Commemorates the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979, marking full sovereignty.
  Observance: National celebrations, political speeches, and cultural events highlighting Maltese independence.

• Good Friday
  Date: Movable (Friday before Easter Sunday)
  Origin & Significance: Christian solemn day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  Observance: Processions, church services, and a generally solemn mood across the islands.

• Worker's Day
  Date: May 1
  Origin & Significance: International Labour Day honoring the labor movement and workers' rights.
  Observance: Public events, demonstrations, and family outings.

• Sette Giugno
  Date: June 7
  Origin & Significance: Commemorates the 1919 riots against British rule, a key event in Malta's quest for self-governance.
  Observance: Official ceremonies and reflections on Maltese freedoms and rights.

• Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
  Date: June 29
  Origin & Significance: Honors the two apostles, important figures in Christianity.
  Observance: Celebrated with processions and religious festivities, especially in villages with churches dedicated to them.

• Feast of the Assumption
  Date: August 15
  Origin & Significance: Marks the Assumption of Mary into heaven, one of the most important Catholic feasts in Malta.
  Observance: Large scale celebrations, fireworks, and parish feasts across the country.

• Feast of Our Lady of Victories
  Date: September 8
  Origin & Significance: Commemorates the victory of the Order of St. John over the Ottoman Empire in 1565, attributed to divine intervention.
  Observance: Prayers, masses, and celebrations highlighting Malta's historical resilience.

• Independence Day
  Date: September 21
  Origin & Significance: Marks Malta's independence from British rule in 1964.
  Observance: National pride is displayed through official ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception
  Date: December 8
  Origin & Significance: Celebrates the belief in Mary’s immaculate conception without original sin.
  Observance: Religious processions and church services, especially significant in certain towns.

• Republic Day
  Date: December 13
  Origin & Significance: Marks the day Malta became a republic in 1974.
  Observance: Official ceremonies including the raising of the Maltese flag and speeches by state officials.

• Christmas Day
  Date: December 25
  Origin & Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  Observance: Family gatherings, church services, gift exchanges, and festive meals.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Malta - Public Holidays