{"id":15849,"date":"2024-08-01T11:01:59","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T11:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotelvalentina.com\/?p=15849"},"modified":"2024-08-30T11:03:30","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T11:03:30","slug":"the-maltese-festa-all-you-need-to-know-before-going","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotelvalentina.com\/fr\/blog\/the-maltese-festa-all-you-need-to-know-before-going\/","title":{"rendered":"The Famous Maltese Village Festa"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Visiting the Maltese Islands in September? The massive feast of Santa Marija may be over, but that doesn\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t plenty of more summer feasts to enjoy. The warm season is one constant holiday in Malta, and even if you\u2019re here on a short break there\u2019s going to be at least one town that\u2019s en f\u00eate during your time here.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”The Best Feasts Of September 2024″ font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Let\u2019s start with the basics. If you\u2019re landing here in the coming weeks, we\u2019re bringing you the calendar of the best feasts to enjoy in Malta throughout the month, the ones all the locals look forward to. You\u2019ll find a list of dates, localities, and what to expect right below.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h5″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”September 1 -” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]If you\u2019re staying on the sister island of Gozo, the feast of Our Lady of Loreto, in G\u0127ajnsielem, is a must-do. Celebrations are on a smaller scale than in Malta, but they\u2019re as authentic as can be, with the grass-roots procession and rituals offering a quaint and fascinating glimpse into a simpler life.<\/p>\n

Back in Malta, on the more popular side of the island, September 1 also sees the celebration of St Gregory the Great in Sliema. Here things happen on a much larger scale, so expect to see many other tourists and travellers like yourself, who want to get a taste of the Malta festa<\/em>. St Gregory is popular for the fireworks colouring up the high-rise buildings over Sliema and St Julian\u2019s, a really unique sight. This is the perfect fusion of the Mediterranean lifestyle meeting the cosmopolitan vibe, and it\u2019s just a short walk along the promenade from Hotel Valentina.<\/p>\n

If you cross over to the Southern side of Malta, the first week of September sees \u017burrieq celebrating the patron saint St Catherine. This festa brings a more rural celebration, taking place in the heart of the small village, with the joy spreading over to the bars and restaurants that dot the Blue Grotto area by the sea.[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”15925″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h5″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”September 8″ text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]It\u2019s national holiday time in Malta with a total of four towns and villages celebrating The Nativity of Our Lady. The entire island is once again en f\u00eate as this is one of the most important religious holidays of the calendar. In Malta, you can enjoy this festa in Naxxar, Mellie\u0127a and Senglea (Isla, which is part of The Three Cities, while in Gozo it\u2019s celebrated in Xag\u0127ra.<\/p>\n

While all four localities have their attractions, our advice would be to choose Mellie\u0127a or Senglea. Mellie\u0127a is the northernmost large town in Malta, and you can combine the celebrations with some of the most spectacular views of the sunset over the Mediterranean. It\u2019s also a nighttime hotspot, so you\u2019ll find plenty to keep you entertained after hours.<\/p>\n

The Baroque city of Senglea is another excellent option, being one of the three fortified cities and boasting superb views of Vittoriosa and Valletta. Finish off with dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade, and enjoy the fireworks display as you sip upon some Maltese wine.[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”15935″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h5″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”September 15″ text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Another Southern celebration, this time for\u00a0 Our Lady of Graces in \u017babbar. This is one of Malta\u2019s biggest feasts, as it almost closes the summer season and brings with it a unique tradition. On the afternoon of the feast day, thousands of cyclists and motorists gather together in one procession, driving around the island in a slow pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady. In every town, people emerge from windows and balconies to shower them in confetti until finally they reach the parish church of \u017babbar.<\/p>\n

If a more cosmopolitan celebration is what you\u2019re after, what could be better than a festa in the Maltese capital of Valletta? Experience the gorgeous Baroque city that\u2019s a UNESCO World Heritage site decked out in the colours of St Augustine. There will be band marches around the city, popcorn and candy stores and, of course, fireworks over Manoel Island.<\/p>\n

All this takes place alongside the eclectic night life of Valletta, so this is the perfect opportunity to finish off with a cocktail or a memorable dinner in one of the city\u2019s sophisticated restaurants. The staff at Hotel Valentina will be happy to give you personal recommendations and to set up a reservation to ensure the evening goes smoothly.[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”15930″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”When Should You Join The Festa?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The dates above signify the actual date of the feast of the Patron Saint, but celebrations start long before that.\u00a0 Each town holds band marches everyday during the week leading up to the feast day, with the Mar\u010b il-Kbir<\/em> (the main celebration) usually taking place on the eve of the feast. This is followed by the main fireworks show, which you can expect to kick off around 11PM after the bands are done for the night.<\/p>\n

On the day of the feast itself, the celebrations take a more solemn flavour, with a religious procession featuring a large statue of the celebrated saint. This is a magnificent spectacle in its own right, but if you\u2019re after the party vibe make sure you don\u2019t miss out the day before. Typically, you\u2019ll find many \u2018afters\u2019 happening around town in the main square itself and in the various ka\u017cini<\/em> (bars housing band clubs or football or political clubs or other community groups from the village) . This part of the feast is 100% secular, characterised by modern music and a heart-warming community feel.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Things To Keep In Mind When Enjoying A Maltese Festa” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]With so many different things happening in one small space, it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed. Here, you\u2019ll find our top tips to help you enjoy the Maltese village feasts and make sure you don\u2019t miss out on anything.<\/p>\n