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In the Beginning “Carnival”.
The knights of St John brought the concept of the carnival to Malta in the 16^th century. This carnival takes place in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, and has always been the excuse to let off steam before Lent begins.
It is celebrated across the islands with parades, fireworks and fancy dress; the biggest events are in Vallatta, Floriana; and in Nadur on Gozo, which is famous for its own unique rather unruly form of celebration.

The Village Fiesta.
Between the months of June and September every village in Malta holds its main event of the year – the village fiesta, which is a mixture of folklore and religion held in the honour of the patron saint of the village.
The parish church which is specially decorated for the annual event with hundreds of light bulbs in vivid colours and patterns, The streets through which the procession will travel are decorated with banners, fairy lights and statues.
At the climax to the fiesta, normally in the evening, the statue of the patron saint is paraded shoulder high in a procession around the village usually accompanied by the village band before being returned to the church.
The whole fiesta is topped off and concluded with a good aerial firework display bringing to an end the week long festivities. These village fiestas provide a very good opportunity to meet and mix with the villagers.

Good Friday.
Malta is very much a Catholic country, and Good Friday is marked with suitable reverence and solemnity, while statues of scenes from the Passion of Christ are paraded through the streets of the towns throughout the Islands.

Easter Sunday.
In contrast to the somewhat sombre Good Friday scenes, Easter Sunday is a much more joyful affair, there are more parades, but this time they include music and sometimes even fireworks. Another tradition is that of exchanging edible gifts which are called “ Figolli “ these are a pastry figures filled with marzipan, along with chocolate eggs and rabbits.

Fireworks Festival.
The Maltese love their fireworks, and every year they show off their skill using the spectacular Grand Harbour as the theatre. Other countries are invited to take part, and for three consecutive nights the Grand Harbour is sensationally lit with colour and sound (takes place in April/May).

L’lammarja.
One of Malta’s most colourful events is this traditional folklore festival which is celebrated with music, dance, and local foods such as “fenkata (rabbit feast)”. The main events are held at Buskett Gardens, where there are traditional events such as bareback horse racing, and donkey races, as well as the time honoured singing known as Ghana, and the festivities Carrie on all night (28/29 June).

Jazz Festival.
Major international performers are invited to a fabulous three day event that is held in July down at the Grand Harbour in Valletta. This setting which is just below the Bastions is quite magical and promotes an air of mystical musical sounds and a variety of styles are all represented.
( www.maltajazzfestival.com).
Malta’s International Air show.
A great family event in September, with guaranteed sunshine for the time of year, displaying some fabulous vintage aircraft such as the Spitfires and Hurricanes. The flying displays from some of the world’s best aerobatic teams perform some death defying flying.
( www.maltairshow.com ).
Historic Cities Festival.
Every autumn this three day October event is held in three historic locations: - Mdina, Vittoriosa and Valletta. There are displays of local dance and song, as well as demonstrations of crafts such as glass blowing, gold and silver jewellery making, lace-making and some of the best re-enactments of historical events that are staged in period costume.
( www.visitmalta.com).

Mediterranea.
During Oct/Nov the Gozitan celebration of the arts includes concerts, plays and lectures, all held on the small island of Gozo. This cultural celebration includes walks around heritage sites guided by eminent scholars and also introductions to local food and wine.
( www.mediterranea.com.mt).