Malta Festivals & Events 2025: Complete Annual Calendar

Malta knows how to celebrate. From world-class music festivals to centuries-old religious traditions, the island packs an incredible amount of events into its tiny footprint. As a digital nomad, you'll find there's almost always something happening - and most of it is free.

Major Annual Events

🎵 Isle of MTV (July)

One of Europe's biggest free music festivals, Isle of MTV takes over the Floriana Granaries (Il-Fosos) every July. Major international artists perform to 40,000+ people in front of Valletta's city gates. Past headliners include Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, and Jason Derulo.

• When: Usually mid-July (check MTV Malta socials)
• Where: Floriana Granaries
• Cost: FREE
• Tip: Arrive early for front spots; it gets packed
• What to bring: Water, cash, comfortable shoes
• Gates usually open mid-afternoon

🎭 Malta Carnival (February)

Malta's Carnival is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. Five days of colorful floats, costumes, dancing, and street parties across Valletta and villages. The main parade on Sunday is the highlight.

• When: February (week before Lent)
• Main location: Valletta (St George's Square)
• Also in: Nadur (Gozo) - famous for spontaneous, irreverent celebrations
• Cost: Free to watch
• Float competitions and prizes
• Children's Carnival events too

🌙 Notte Bianca (October)

Valletta transforms into an all-night open-air museum and performance space. Museums, churches, and palaces open their doors for free, with live music, art installations, and performances on every corner.

• When: First Saturday of October
• Hours: 7 PM - 1 AM (approximately)
• Where: Throughout Valletta
• Cost: FREE (everything)
• Over 100 venues participate
• Best cultural event on the island

🎆 Malta International Fireworks Festival (April/May)

Malta takes fireworks seriously - it's a national obsession. The International Fireworks Festival brings pyrotechnics teams from around the world to compete in spectacular displays over the Grand Harbour.

• When: Late April/Early May
• Where: Grand Harbour (watch from Valletta or Three Cities)
• Cost: Free
• Best viewing: Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Two nights of displays
• Absolutely spectacular

🏳️‍🌈 Malta Pride (September)

One of Europe's most welcoming Pride events. Malta consistently ranks as the most LGBTQ+-friendly country in Europe. Week-long celebrations culminating in the Pride March through Valletta.

• When: Mid-September
• Where: Valletta and St Julian's
• Highlights: Pride March, parties, film festival
• Atmosphere: Very welcoming, inclusive

Village Festas (All Year)

The village festa is Malta's most unique cultural tradition. Every village celebrates its patron saint with a week of festivities featuring band marches, fireworks, street decorations, and religious processions. As a nomad, attending a festa is an unmissable experience.

🎆 What to Expect at a Festa

• Band marches: Village bands parade through decorated streets
• Fireworks: Ground and aerial displays, often competitive
• Street food: Nougat, hot dogs, imqaret (date pastries)
• Decorations: Streets covered in lights and banners
• Religious procession: Statue carried through village
• All free: Just show up

📅 Major Festas Calendar

Music & Arts Festivals

🎸 Malta Jazz Festival (July)

Three nights of world-class jazz in the stunning setting of Ta' Liesse, just below Valletta's fortifications. International and local artists perform under the stars.

• When: Mid-July
• Where: Ta' Liesse, Valletta Waterfront
• Tickets: €30-50 per night
• Beautiful venue
• Food and drinks available

🎹 Malta International Arts Festival (June-July)

Six weeks of performing arts including theater, dance, music, and visual arts across venues in Valletta. Mix of local and international performances.

• When: June-July
• Where: Various Valletta venues
• Tickets: €10-30 depending on show
• Some free events

🎬 Valletta Film Festival (June)

Mediterranean cinema takes center stage with outdoor screenings at Pjazza San Ġorġ and indoor venues. Mix of international premieres and local productions.

• When: June
• Where: Valletta (St George's Square + cinemas)
• Tickets: €8-12 per screening
• Open-air screenings magical

🎤 Glitch Festival (August)

Electronic music festival at Gianpula Village featuring international techno and house DJs. The main annual event for Malta's electronic music community.

• When: August
• Where: Gianpula Village, Rabat
• Tickets: €40-80
• Pool parties included
• Runs day and night

📚 Malta Book Festival (November)

For literary nomads, the book festival at the Mediterranean Conference Centre brings together local and international authors with talks, signings, and book sales.

• When: November
• Where: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
• Entry: Free

Seasonal Events

🎄 Christmas & New Year

• Christmas Village: Valletta Waterfront markets
• Nativity scenes: Throughout villages, many with moving figures
• New Year's Eve: Fireworks at Valletta Waterfront (free)
• Paceville: Major NYE parties at clubs

🐣 Easter (March/April)

Malta's Easter celebrations are deeply traditional. Good Friday processions feature life-sized statues carried through streets. Very moving even for non-religious visitors.

• Good Friday: Processions in most villages
• Best locations: Żejtun, Qormi, Birgu
• Easter Sunday: Celebrations, special masses
• Figolla (almond pastries) everywhere

🎃 Halloween (October)

Growing in popularity. Main events at Paceville clubs and special parties. The medieval streets of Mdina and Birgu are naturally atmospheric.

• Where: Paceville clubs, Mdina
• Tip: Mdina by night is genuinely spooky

Sports Events

🏃 Malta Marathon (February)

The annual Malta Marathon follows a scenic coastal route. Options include full marathon, half marathon, and fun run. Great way to see the island.

• When: Last Sunday of February
• Entry: €50-80
• Route: Mdina to Sliema along coast
• Register months ahead

⛵ Rolex Middle Sea Race (October)

One of the world's classic offshore sailing races. 600-nautical-mile race starting and finishing in Grand Harbour. Amazing to watch the start.

• When: Mid-October
• Start: Grand Harbour
• Watch from: Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Free to spectate

2025 Events Calendar

Tips for Festival-Going

🚌 Getting There

• Public transport increases for major events
• Bolt/eCabs surge pricing during peak times
• For festas, park in nearby village and walk
• Many events have shuttle services

💡 General Tips

• Cash is king at festas and street events
• Stay hydrated in summer - carry water
• Comfortable shoes for cobblestones
• Sunscreen for daytime events
• Check local news for road closures

Frequently Asked Questions

Are festas tourist-friendly?

Absolutely. While they're primarily local celebrations, visitors are welcome. It's the best way to experience authentic Maltese culture. Just be respectful during religious elements.

Is Isle of MTV really free?

Yes, completely free entry. It's sponsored by MTV and the Malta Tourism Authority. Just show up and enjoy world-class acts for nothing.

What's the best event for first-time visitors?

Notte Bianca if you're there in October - it showcases all of Valletta's beauty with free access to everything. Otherwise, any village festa gives you authentic Malta.

How do I find out about festa dates?

Check the Malta Tourism Authority website or search "Malta festa calendar." Dates change yearly based on religious calendar but villages stay consistent.

Are fireworks really that impressive?

Malta's firework culture is world-renowned. Village clubs compete seriously, and the displays are genuinely spectacular. The International Fireworks Festival rivals anything you'll see globally.

Can I participate in Carnival?

Watch easily, participate harder. Some groups welcome outsiders but you'd need to arrange in advance. The spontaneous Nadur Carnival in Gozo is more accessible.