Dates of Holidays in Malta 2024 [Annually updated]

The public holidays and national observances in Malta in 2024 follow the typical annual calendar punctuated by important religious feast days and patriotic events tied to the country's history. Major public holidays fall on dates such as New Year's Day, which kicks off the year, followed by the Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in February, which honors the island's patron saint. March 19th brings the Feast of Saint Joseph, while Sette Giugno on June 7th remembers riots over language rights in 1919. Visitors should be aware of store closings and reduced hours during Malta's Catholic holidays, which occur around different saints' feast days and affect churches, shops and restaurants. Malta is a country that loves to celebrate. It has a diverse range of public, religious and school holidays, so there is always something to look forward to.

What are the holiday dates in Malta?

The holiday dates in Hungary are nationwide public holidays, national holidays, bank holidays, school holidays, commercial holidays and government holidays. Firstly, Malta has several public holidays for which most businesses and schools close. New Year's Day on January 1 kicks off the new year. In February, many Maltese celebrate the Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck on the 10th, which honors the island's patron saint. March 19th brings the Feast of Saint Joseph, which pays tribute to Mary's husband. Good Friday is a solemn day remembering Jesus's crucifixion, while Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection – both are national holidays. Freedom Day on March 31st commemorates when the British left in 1979. June 7th is Sette Giugno, which remembers riots over language rights in 1919. June 29th is the Feast of St Peter and St Paul in honor of two apostles. August 15th brings the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. September 8th, Victory Day, celebrates holding off Hitler in World War II. September 21st is Independence Day, remembering gaining independence in 1964. Secondly, some other religious holidays are celebrated as well. November 1st is All Saints' Day to honor deceased Christian saints and souls. December 8th brings the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Republic Day on December 13th was recognized when Malta became a republic. Christmas Day on December 25 celebrates Jesus's birth. During the Easter season, schools close from April 13th to 27th for a break. Thirdly, Maltese schools also close for summer vacation and Christmas break. The long summer holiday runs from June 15th to September 30th. Then schools close a few days before Christmas on December 22nd and reopen on January 6th the following year. Fourthly, there are a few other public holidays for the workforce. May 1st is Workers' Day or Labour Day, celebrated by labor unions. September 8th is National Day and Victory Day. April 10th was recently declared National Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust. Lastly, expats and tourists should know about store closings and reduced hours on Malta's many Catholic holidays. These include mainly churches and many shops and restaurants that close for a few hours during the day. The dates change yearly but fall around the different saints' feast days.

What are the dates of the national holidays in Malta for 2024?

The table below shows the national holiday dates in Malta for 2024.

Date	Holiday
January 1	New Year's Day
February 10	Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck
March 19	Feast of Saint Joseph
March 31	Freedom Day
April 7	Good Friday
May 1	Workers' Day
June 7	Sette Giugno
June 29	Feast of St Peter and St Paul
August 15	Feast of the Assumption
September 8	Victory Day
September 21	Independence Day
November 1	All Saints' Day
December 8	Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 13	Republic Day
December 25	Christmas Day

How are the nationwide public holidays in Malta celebrated?

Listed below are how the nationwide public holidays are celebrated in Malta.

• New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve in Malta is an evolved celebration. The New Year was traditionally a casual affair, spent with family and often closely linked with food. The event has become synonymous with fireworks and street parties, which are free of charge and bring the town to a standstill. The festivities often include indulging in classic New Year's Eve staples like Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, a warming concoction traditionally enjoyed and catching the Valletta fireworks. The town closes off St Anne's, one of Malta's busiest streets, for a massive, buzzing street party. The largest square in Malta, the Granaries, hosts a concert.
• Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck. The Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck in Malta, celebrated every year on the 10th day of February, is one of the Island's primary public holidays. The feast commemorates the shipwreck of St Paul, recorded in Acts 28, in 60 AD. The day is marked by religious ceremonies and street festivities in and around St. Paul's Shipwreck Parish, Valletta. The main events for St Paul's Shipwreck happen in Valletta, with masses and street celebrations, including processions. The feast reflects Malta's heavy Catholic background and is perceived as a critical factor in Maltese identity.
• Feast of St. Joseph. The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated every year on the 19th day of March and has been a staple in Christianity's calendar since the 10th century. The day is a public holiday in Malta because it is a religious feast. Nearly every business shuts down and people use their off days to enjoy relaxed downtime by organizing a picnic or other outdoor activities. The day's main event is celebrated in Mdina, the limits of Rabat, where mass and colorful processions occur.
• Good Friday Procession. Good Friday in Malta is a grand event. On this day, everything stops. It is a public holiday, all businesses are closed and the passage of traffic is diverted away from most town centers to make way for the grand procession. Good Friday processions are held in fourteen localities in Malta and seven in Gozo, each with its own statues. The dedication and devotion in the Good Friday processions are moving even to the non-religious.
• Freedom Day. Freedom Day on the 31st day of March commemorates the final withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979, marking the completion of a process for Malta to attain full sovereignty. The day features a ceremony at the Freedom Monument in Birgu, which includes a wreath-laying and gun salute to honor those who sacrificed for Malta's freedom. Other events include a traditional regatta of brightly painted dgħajjes boats racing across the Grand Harbour, reenactments and historical exhibitions recalling Malta's journey to independence.
• Victory Day. Victory Day on the 8th day of September marks several pivotal moments in Malta's history – the lifting of the Great Siege of 1565, the end of the French blockade in 1800 and the end of the Fascist Italian regime in 1943 after heavy bombing. The day features somber wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials and is a time for Maltese of all ages to reflect on the sacrifices of previous generations.
• Sette Giugno. Sette Giugno, observed on the 7th day of June, solemnly commemorates the riots of 1919 when British troops fired into crowds protesting against the rising cost of living, resulting in four deaths. The day is marked by wreath-layings and speeches at the Sette Giugno monument in Valletta, while schools and organizations hold educational events. Sette Giugno occupies an essential place in Maltese political history as tensions surrounding the event contributed to growing anti-colonial sentiment and eventual progress towards independence.
• Feast of St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja). The Feast of St Peter and St Paul, locally known as L-Imnarja, is one of Malta's oldest festivals dating back to pagan times. It is celebrated on the 29th day of June with religious services honoring the two saints and folk festivities like agricultural fairs, horse races and nighttime celebrations in Buskett Gardens with food stalls, għana singing competitions and bonfires.
• Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija). The Feast of the Assumption of Mary on the 15th day of August is the peak event of Malta's summer festival season. It is celebrated as Santa Marija in 7 towns in Malta and Gozo, each putting up elaborate street decorations and holding processions with a statue of the Virgin Mary accompanied by brass bands. There are also fireworks displays, street parties and traditional lunches. Many Maltese take a holiday around this date.
• Independence Day. On the 21st day of September, Independence Day commemorates Malta gaining independence from British rule in 1964. The day features a ceremony in Floriana with the laying of flowers at the Independence Monument, speeches by political leaders and an evening concert. It is a day to celebrate Maltese national identity and freedom.
• All Saints Day. On the 1st day of November, All Saints Day is marked by special masses and church services as Maltese families visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. People reflect on the lives of saints and departed loved ones on this religious public holiday. The other public holidays also feature national ceremonies, religious services, public festivities, family gatherings and traditional foods.
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th day of December commemorates the Catholic doctrine that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin to be a fitting mother for Jesus Christ. Malta is a public holiday marked by special church services and elaborate statue processions in towns and villages like Cospicua, Żejtun, Żabbar and Qrendi. The day often begins with mass and ends with spectacular fireworks over the church. The Immaculate Conception is one of Malta's most important religious celebrations after Christmas.
• Republic Day. Republic Day on the 13th day of December commemorates Malta becoming a republic in 1974, ending its status as a British dominion ruled by a Governor-General. The public holiday features a ceremony in Valletta with speeches, military parades, wreath-layings and a symbolic presentation of Malta's new republican constitution. These formal events give way to an evening celebration, including a concert, DJs and dazzling fireworks over Valletta's Grand Harbour, which are televised nationally. Many Maltese also celebrate by putting up republican flags and decorations.
• Christmas Traditions. Christmas in Malta centers around religious devotion and quality time with loved ones. Many attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve in elaborately decorated churches. Other traditions include nativity crib competitions, children's Christmas processions in villages, decorations, Christmas markets and the traditional Maltese pantomime. Christmas meals feature classic local dishes like roasted lampuki fish but also incorporate international items like panettone.

What are the dates of the governmental holidays in Malta for 2024?

The table below shows the governmental holiday dates in Malta for 2024.

Date	Holiday
May 1	Worker’s Day
June 11	Local Government Day
September 21	Independence Day

How are the governmental holidays in Malta celebrated?

Listed below are how the governmental holidays are celebrated in Malta.

• Worker's Day. Worker's Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, is a public holiday in Malta celebrated on May 1st to recognize the contributions and rights of workers. The day features political rallies, marches and events organized by trade unions, worker's organizations and left-wing parties. Speeches and demonstrations often cover fair wages, safe working conditions and social protection. Many Maltese also gather with family and friends for celebratory meals, drinks and entertainment on this national day off of work. Worker's Day is prominent on Malta's cultural calendar for historical and contemporary reasons.
• Local Government Day. Local Government Day commemorates the reintroduction of local councils in Malta in 1993 after a 30-year absence of local governance under a central authority. Marked annually on the second Saturday of June, the holiday features activities highlighting local councils' function and importance. These include open house events at council facilities, guided tours, family entertainment, staff appreciation luncheons, sports tournaments between different council teams and official exchanges of greetings between mayors. It provides an opportunity to focus attention on local issues and governance efforts.
• Independence Day. Independence Day on September 21st marks Malta’s attainment of independence from Britain in 1964, ending 165 years of direct colonial rule. The national holiday features a morning ceremony in Floriana, including laying wreaths at the foot of the Independence Monument, inspecting military guards of honor, playing the national anthem and speeches by the President and Prime Minister. The evening centers around a televised concert and spectacular fireworks over Valletta’s Grand Harbour. People celebrate by putting up Maltese flags and decorations as they reflect on national identity and self-determination.

What are the holiday dates in Malta that locals work?

Malta has no officially designated public holiday dates when the local is required to work. The 12 annual public holidays are days off for most of the workforce across banks, government entities, schools and public services. But these are individual cases – there remains no official designation or legal requirement making any public holidays mandatory working days across Malta. The option to take these dates off as holidays rests with unique employers and service types running operations and shifts as required, even during public closures.

What are the Maltese school holidays in 2024?

Listed below are the Maltese school holidays in 2024.

• Easter Holidays. The Easter school holidays 2024 run from Saturday, April 13th through Saturday, April 27th. This is a two-week break in the school calendar centered around the Easter weekend. The break also aligns with public holidays on Good Friday (April 19th) and Easter Monday (April 22nd). Many Maltese families take trips or vacations during this mid-spring holiday period. Students have a chance to relax from their studies before the final school term. The Easter break separates the second and third terms of the academic year. When students return on April 28th, it will be under three months before the summer holidays begin. This holiday underscores the continued influence of Christianity and Catholic traditions on Maltese culture.
• Summer Holidays. The summer holidays 2024 for Maltese schools last over three months, from Saturday, June 15th through Monday, September 30th. This extended break allows students and staff to recharge for the next academic year. The long summer holiday accommodates Malta's climate and peak tourism season. Families often travel domestically or abroad. Students have time to take summer academic programs, camps or jobs. Many school facilities also undergo maintenance during this period when classes are not in session. The fall school term then starts up again in October. Malta's summer break is significantly longer compared to other countries.
• Christmas Holidays. The school holidays at the end of 2024 run for two weeks, from Saturday, December 22nd through Sunday, January 6th, 2025. This break allows students and staff to celebrate the Christmas and New Year period. Some travel abroad during this festive winter break as well. Students and teachers enjoy a respite from school before returning shortly after New Year's Day. The Christmas holidays fall during the middle of the school year.

What is the Daylight savings time?

Listed below are the dates that Malta will switch to daylight saving time in 2024.

• Daylight Saving Time Starts. Daylight saving time will start in Malta on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 2.00 AM. On this date, clocks will move forward one hour from 2.00 AM to 3.00 AM local daylight time. This marks the beginning of daylight saving time in Malta in 2024. Sunrise and sunset will be one hour later on March 31st than the previous day.
• Daylight Saving Time Ends. Daylight saving time will end in Malta on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 3.00 AM. On this date, clocks will move backward one hour from 3.00 AM to 2.00 AM local standard time. This marks the end of daylight saving time in Malta in 2024. Sunrise and sunset will be one hour earlier on October 27th than the previous day.

What are the astronomical events in Malta in 2024?

Listed below are the astronomical events in Malta for 2024.

• Quadrantids Meteor Shower. The Quadrantids meteor shower peaks on January 3-4, 2024 and is one of the astronomical events in Malta. This year's brightest light shows, with 120 meteors streaking per hour during its brief peak. This shower runs annually from December 26 to January 16. The nearly full moon may block out some dimmer meteors, but patient observers should still be able to see some good ones.
• March Equinox. The March equinox called the vernal or spring equinox, an astronomical event in Malta and occurs on March 20, 2024. This marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. On the equinox, the Sun crosses the celestial equator going northward, making day and night nearly equal in length.
• Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is an astronomical event in Malta that peaks on May 6-7, 2024. It is produced by dust particles left behind by Halley's Comet and can produce up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. The nearly full moon will likely wash out most of the dimmer meteors this year, but the Eta Aquarids can still produce bright fireballs.
• Annular Solar Eclipse. On October 2, 2024, an annular solar eclipse is an astronomical event in Malta that will cross South America and Easter Island. Only a partial eclipse from Malta will be visible as the moon covers part of the sun's disk. Proper eye protection will be needed to view the eclipse safely.

What are the best things to do in Malta during the holidays?

There are five best things to do in Malta during the holidays. Firstly, visiting the Blue Lagoon in Comino is a must-do activity. This bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and soaking up the Mediterranean sun during the warmer months. It can get very crowded, so going early in the day or taking a boat tour that allows visitors to relax on board between swims is recommended. The surrounding island of Comino is also worth exploring to see remnants of the abandoned village, hospital and fortifications. Secondly, Valletta, Malta's capital city, offers visitors the chance to wander beautiful narrow streets lined with historic buildings, statues, plaques, open-air cafes and shops. Top attractions include St. John's Co-Cathedral, its ornate interior and famous Caravaggio paintings, the elaborate Grandmaster's Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer panoramic harbor views from high bastion walls. The city comes alive at Christmas with lights, markets, concerts and other holiday festivities. Thirdly, a scenic coastal cruise is a relaxing way to admire Malta's dramatic seascapes and architecture. Options range from quick 45-minute excursions around the Grand Harbour in Valletta to half-day trips along the coastline or to the Blue Lagoon. Boats depart from various points, such as Sliema, Valletta and Mellieha.

Fourthly, visiting Malta's temples offers a glimpse into the island's mysterious ancient past. Sites like Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien contain the oldest freestanding stone buildings in the world, with structures dating back over 5,500 years. Lastly, the resort towns of Sliema and St. Julian's on the northeast coast have cafes, shops, restaurants and nightlife options. Holiday time is lively here, with visitors and locals crowding the seaside promenades, piazzas and bars well into the night.

What are the most famous people in Malta?

The most famous people in Malta are Meghan Markle, Joseph Calleja, Miriam Gauci and Edward de Bono. Firstly, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has ties to Malta through her great-great-grandmother, who lived on the islands. Meghan visited Malta and traced her ancestry before meeting Prince Harry. As a member of the British royal family and a former actress, she is one of the most globally recognizable people with Maltese roots.

Secondly, opera singer Joseph Calleja is undoubtedly one of Malta's most famous exports. The world-famous tenor performs internationally to great acclaim. He holds annual concerts in his home country of Malta and was appointed the nation's Cultural Ambassador in 2012 for his contributions to promoting Maltese culture worldwide. Thirdly, actress Miriam Gauci found fame as an opera singer based in Milan, becoming one of the first Maltese-born performers to achieve international success. Other Maltese actors like Joseph Calleia and Kerry Ingram have also made names for themselves in theater and film over the past century. Lastly, Maltese psychologist and author Edward de Bono pioneered the concept of “lateral thinking” and is known for his creative problem-solving ideas. He wrote over 60 books translated into 40 languages, bringing him great fame as a leading thinker. Edward de Bono is considered one of the greatest Maltese people.

What are the most interesting facts about Malta?

There are five most interesting facts about Malta. Firstly, Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage sites within its small islands – the capital city of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. The Hypogeum is an underground necropolis carved out of rock over 5,000 years ago, containing halls, chambers and burial chambers unlike anywhere else. Secondly, Malta has some of the clearest waters in the world, perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Visitors can explore underwater wrecks, reefs, caves and more. The Blue Hole diving site and HMHS Britannic wreck are top Malta dive sites. Thirdly, the islands have a history visible through ancient temple sites, walled cities and fortified harbors. The Megalithic Temples of Malta include Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Ggantija, with some structures dating back over 5,500 years, making them older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The medieval fortified capital city of Mdina and the coastal fortress cities built by the Knights of Malta are also amazing to walk through. Fourthly, Malta has been described as the “Nurse of the Mediterranean” due to its critical role in housing and healing wounded soldiers during both World Wars. Over 137,000 Allied servicemen and civilians were cared for on the islands, with the grateful soldiers nicknaming the Maltese nurses “angels in white.” Lastly, Malta has its language, which is the only Semitic language written in Latin script in the world today. Maltese also incorporates many words borrowed from English, Italian and French, reflecting the islands’ rich history of domination by foreign powers.

What are the best places to visit in Malta?

The best places to visit in Malta are Valletta, Mdina and Birgu. Firstly, Valletta is undoubtedly the top city for visitors to explore in Malta. As the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta contains historic sites such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace and numerous museums housed in beautiful Baroque buildings along its narrow streets. Valletta provides easy access to the scenic Three Cities area, making it a great base for exploring Malta. Secondly, Mdina, Malta’s silent city, is another top destination with towering walls, hidden alleys, noble palaces and grand churches. Mdina has barely changed over the centuries, with its mix of Norman, Baroque and Medieval architecture telling the story of successive waves of rulers. Mdina has become an open-air museum and a cinematic filming location, but it retains its peaceful, noble atmosphere. Visitors can wander the quiet streets, peer over bastion walls, explore St. Paul’s Cathedral or dine at a restaurant in an ancient palace. Lastly, Birgu (also called Vittoriosa) across the Grand Harbour from Valletta has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its historic fortified streets and maritime tales as the base of the Knights of St. John draw visitors today. Highlights include touring the Inquisitor’s Palace, showcasing torture chambers, visiting the Maritime Museum in a former naval bakery and walking the bastion-topped fortifications for scenic views. The Birgu waterfront piazza comes alive each evening with restaurants and cafes housed in ancient buildings.

PIN FOR LATER

Find below the best Malta guides from WonderfulWanderings.