Malta Public Holidays
Malta Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Malta? All public holidays in Malta are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Malta employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Malta and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day in Malta, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the most widely observed public holidays in Malta, and the day is marked with family gatherings, parties, and social events. Many people take the day off to relax, reflect on the previous year, and welcome the start of a new one.
In addition to festive celebrations, New Year’s Day in Malta is an occasion for cultural activities and reflection. Many people attend mass in the morning to start the year with a religious blessing. The day is typically marked by quiet reflection, community celebrations, and outdoor activities in warmer weather, particularly in Valletta and other tourist destinations.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Malta.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Feast of the Epiphany (January 6)
Description
The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, marks the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, recognized by Christians as the moment the Three Kings visited the infant Jesus. This day holds significant religious importance in Malta, especially for the Christian community.
The day is marked by mass services across the island, where people come together to celebrate the occasion. The Epiphany is also associated with the traditional blessing of water and the observance of other religious rituals. In some towns, there may be local festivals or processions. While it is a public holiday, it is more reserved and focused on religious observance than widespread festivities.
Duration
The Feast of the Epiphany is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Good Friday (Variable Date, March or April)
Description
Good Friday, observed by Christians in Malta, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The date of Good Friday varies each year, falling between March and April depending on the ecclesiastical calendar. This solemn day is marked by religious observances, including the Stations of the Cross and special masses held in churches throughout Malta.
In Malta, Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection. It is traditionally a day of fasting and prayer, with many citizens attending church services to mark the significance of Christ’s passion and death. Some areas may also host processions or reenactments of the Passion of Christ, often involving the participation of local communities.
Duration
Good Friday is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Easter Sunday (Variable Date, March or April)
Description
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is one of the most important Christian holidays and is widely observed in Malta, where many traditions are associated with the celebration of Easter. Easter Sunday marks the end of the Lenten period of fasting and is a day of joy and celebration for Christians.
In Malta, Easter Sunday is marked by religious services, family meals, and social gatherings. Many families come together to celebrate, and there are often public events such as concerts or parades. Traditional foods such as figolla (a type of Easter pastry) are enjoyed, and the day is spent in the company of loved ones. In some parts of the island, there are outdoor festivals, particularly in the evening when fireworks are common.
Duration
Easter Sunday is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Malta, especially Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an international holiday honoring the contributions of workers to society. In Malta, Labour Day is a public holiday that is marked by rallies, demonstrations, and speeches focusing on workers’ rights and social justice issues. It is a day for political groups, unions, and workers to come together to discuss labor-related concerns and celebrate the achievements of the labor movement.
Labour Day is not just an opportunity to advocate for workers’ rights but also a day for relaxation. Many people in Malta use this holiday as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoying outdoor activities, picnics, and gatherings in parks and public spaces.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15)
Description
The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th, is one of the most significant religious holidays in Malta. It commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her life. The feast is particularly important in Malta, which has a strong Catholic heritage, and is celebrated with both religious observances and festive events.
On this day, mass services are held at churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and there are processions and festivals in several towns, including the famous celebrations in Floriana. Many Maltese people take the day off to attend these events, visit family members, and celebrate the occasion with traditional foods and community gatherings.
Duration
The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Catholics.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Republic Day (December 13)
Description
Republic Day, celebrated on December 13th, marks the day in 1974 when Malta became a republic, officially ending the colonial ties with the United Kingdom. This holiday is an important moment for the people of Malta to reflect on the country’s history and achievements as an independent and self-governing nation.
Republic Day is celebrated with official ceremonies, including speeches by the President of Malta and the Prime Minister, as well as cultural events that highlight the nation’s heritage and democratic values. People use this holiday to celebrate the country’s progress since becoming a republic, with events that often include national pride parades, concerts, and exhibitions.
Duration
Republic Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Malta.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays. Christmas is widely celebrated in Malta, with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals.
On Christmas Eve, many people attend midnight mass at churches across the island, where beautiful nativity scenes and religious decorations create a special atmosphere. Christmas Day is spent with family and friends, enjoying a festive meal that includes traditional Maltese dishes. The day is also marked by social events, including carol singing and visiting family members. Many areas of Malta are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive ambiance.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Malta, especially Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Malta
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Feast of the Epiphany | January 6 | 1 day | General Public |
| Good Friday | Variable (March/April) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Easter Sunday | Variable (March/April) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Feast of the Assumption | August 15 | 1 day | General Public |
| Republic Day | December 13 | 1 day | General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
