New Year’s Day (1 January) in Malta is a relaxed, family-oriented start to the year. Many people recover from New Year’s Eve celebrations, enjoy long lunches, and take seaside walks if the weather is mild. Expect limited hours for some businesses and a quieter pace across towns and tourist areas.

St. Paul’s Shipwreck (10 February) commemorates the tradition that St. Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD - a foundational story in Maltese Christian heritage. Celebrations often include church services and local festivities, especially in Valletta. It’s a public holiday, so plan for closures and reduced transport schedules.

St. Joseph’s Day (19 March) is a public holiday in Malta with a strong religious character. Many people attend church services and local parish events, while others enjoy a slower day with family time. Expect some closures or reduced hours, especially for offices and public services.

Freedom Day (31 March) marks Malta’s milestone of ending the British military presence in 1979. The day is associated with national ceremonies and reflections on modern Maltese identity. As a public holiday, many offices and schools close, making it a good date for local sightseeing - with some services running on reduced hours.

Good Friday is one of Malta’s most atmospheric days, with solemn church services and traditional processions in many towns and villages. Streets can be busy around events, while normal business activity slows down. Visitors often plan around procession times and arrive early for good viewing spots.

Workers’ Day (1 May) is observed in Malta as a public holiday and is often linked to community events and a springtime long-weekend feel. Many locals use it for family outings, picnics, and short breaks. Shops and public services may operate on holiday schedules, especially outside tourist centers.

Sette Giugno (7 June) commemorates the 1919 events that became a turning point in Malta’s national movement. It’s a day of remembrance and civic reflection, with ceremonies that highlight Malta’s road toward self-government. As a public holiday, it’s also a quiet day for travel planning and relaxed city exploration.

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June), also known locally as L-Imnarja, is one of Malta’s most distinctive traditional celebrations. It’s associated with rural culture, food, music, and gatherings - especially around places like Buskett Gardens. Expect a lively local atmosphere and holiday-style schedules for services.

The Assumption (15 August), often called Santa Marija in Malta, is widely celebrated with religious feasts and village festivities. It’s a peak summer holiday date: many families gather, local events can be busy, and transport may be crowded. Plan bookings early if you’re traveling between towns.

This is a public holiday in Malta.

Independence Day (21 September) celebrates Malta’s independence from Britain in 1964. National ceremonies and flag displays are common, and many locals treat it as a day for family time or local trips. It’s a public holiday, so services often run on reduced schedules.

The Immaculate Conception (8 December) is a religious holiday observed across Malta. Church services and local traditions shape the day, and it also signals the start of the festive December season. Many businesses close or shorten hours, so plan errands and travel around holiday timing.

Republic Day (13 December) marks Malta becoming a republic in 1974. Official events may take place, while many people enjoy the quieter holiday pace in towns and along the coast. With schools and offices closed, it’s a convenient date for winter sightseeing - but check opening hours in advance.

Christmas Day (25 December) in Malta blends religious tradition with family gatherings and festive meals. Churches hold special services, and towns feel calm and celebratory. Many businesses close, and restaurants may require reservations, especially in popular tourist areas.