Malta (MT)
Malta is a small EU island nation in the central Mediterranean — the smallest EU member state by area — celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of history (the Knights of St John, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge), warm climate of 300+ sunshine days per year, English as a co-official language making it uniquely accessible for anglophone expats, a thriving iGaming and fintech sector, and a strategic location halfway between Europe and North Africa.
Capital: Valletta
Region: Europe
Language: Maltese
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
15 holidays in Malta. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
L-Ewwel tas-Sena
Public holiday. New Year's Day is celebrated with fireworks on New Year's Eve, particularly in Valletta and Paceville. All businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
February 2026
Tue 10
Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck Public Holiday
Il-Festa tal-Qaddisin Pietru u Pawlu
Commemorating the shipwreck of St Paul on Malta in 60 AD — a foundational event in Maltese Christian history. Major celebration in Valletta with a procession carrying the relic of St Paul's wrist bone. Public holiday.
March 2026
Thu 19
Feast of St Joseph Public Holiday
Il-Festa ta' San Ġużepp
Feast of St Joseph — patron saint of workers. Public holiday. Particularly celebrated in Ħamrun and other towns. A popular saint's day in the deeply Catholic Maltese calendar.
Tue 31
Freedom Day Public Holiday
Jum il-Ħelsien
Commemorates the withdrawal of the last British forces from Malta in 1979, ending centuries of foreign military presence on the island. Public holiday. Celebrated with events at the Grand Harbour.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira
One of the most important and solemn days in the Maltese calendar. Elaborate Good Friday processions take place in many towns — participants dress as biblical figures and re-enact the Passion of Christ through the streets. Most businesses close. A deeply serious religious observance.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Il-Għid il-Kbir
Easter Sunday — public holiday. Following the solemn Holy Week, Easter is a joyful celebration. Traditional Maltese Easter foods include figolla (almond-filled pastry shaped as Easter symbols) and kwareżimal (almond biscuits eaten during Lent). Sunday family lunches are a major tradition.
May 2026
Fri 1
Workers' Day Public Holiday
Jum il-Ħaddiema
International Workers' Day / Labour Day. Public holiday. Marches and gatherings by labour unions (GWU — General Workers' Union and UĦM). Government offices, banks, and most businesses are closed.
June 2026
Sun 7
Sette Giugno — Riot Day Public Holiday
Sette Giugno
Commemorates the riots of 7 June 1919 when Maltese demonstrators were killed by British troops while protesting for self-governance — a pivotal moment in Malta's independence movement. Public holiday. The name means "Seven June" in Italian.
Mon 29
Feast of SS Peter and Paul Public Holiday
Il-Festa tal-Qaddisin Pietru u Pawlu (L-Imnarja)
Public holiday coinciding with L-Imnarja — Malta's oldest traditional festa. Celebrated the night of 28 June with folk music, rabbit stew picnics, and a candlelit procession in Buskett Gardens (Rabat). A uniquely Maltese cultural event blending pagan and Christian traditions.
August 2026
Sat 15
Feast of the Assumption Public Holiday
Santa Marija / L-Assunzjoni
The Feast of the Assumption is arguably the most widely celebrated religious feast in Malta. Known as Santa Marija, it coincides with the anniversary of the relief of the Great Siege (1565) and the Victory of WWII (1942). Major village festas throughout Malta — particularly spectacular in Mosta, Attard, and several other towns. Public holiday.
September 2026
Tue 8
Victory Day Public Holiday
Jum il-Vitorja
Commemorates two victories: the end of the Great Siege of 1565 (when the Ottoman fleet withdrew) and the surrender of the Axis in 1943 which ended the wartime siege. Regatta races on the Grand Harbour in traditional Maltese dgħajjes (rowing boats) are the highlight. Public holiday.
Mon 21
Independence Day Public Holiday
Jum l-Indipendenza
Commemorates Malta's independence from British rule on 21 September 1964. Public holiday. State ceremonies, flag-raising events, and political speeches mark the day.
December 2026
Tue 8
Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Il-Kunċizzjoni
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — an important Catholic feast day in this overwhelmingly Catholic country. Public holiday. Churches hold special masses throughout Malta.
Sun 13
Republic Day Public Holiday
Jum ir-Repubblika
Commemorates Malta becoming a Republic on 13 December 1974, replacing the British monarch as head of state with a Maltese President. State ceremonies and official events. Public holiday.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Il-Milied
Christmas Day — public holiday. Malta celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm given its Catholic heritage. Christmas Eve midnight Mass (Quddiesa tal-Lejl) is widely attended. Traditional Christmas foods include turkey, imbuljuta (hot chocolate with chestnuts), and Christmas ħelwa (sweets). Streets are elaborately decorated from early December.
Note: Some holidays in Malta apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.