If you’re visiting Malta this April, you’ve timed it just right. From yesterday, 22 April, through to Friday 3 May, the islands will be lit up, quite literally, by the return of the Malta International Fireworks Festival, a highly anticipated event that’s really as deeply embedded in the country’s history as it is thrilling to watch.

Fireworks in Malta aren’t just for show. They’re part of the national identity, tied to centuries-old religious feasts and community pride. The tradition dates back to the time of the Knights of St John, when celebratory salutes using cannon fire and early pyrotechnics marked the election of Grand Masters and religious events. Over time, these evolved into the beautifully choreographed firework displays you’ll see lighting up the Maltese skies today.

The festival celebrates this legacy while bringing in a creative, competitive twist. Organised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, along with the Malta Tourism Authority, the 2025 edition will feature over 85 fireworks teams from Malta, Gozo, and abroad, each competing to outdo the other in creativity, colour, timing, and sheer wow-factor.

Things kicked off yesterday, Tuesday 22nd April, in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, a setting so picturesque, it feels like it was built for this very purpose. The harbour will again host displays on Friday 25th April, before the festival travels to Nadur, Gozo on Saturday 26th, where the Gozitan crowd can enjoy the show with their own special flair. Expect narrow village streets lit up with colour, local food stalls lining the squares, and families out in full force.

The grand finale on Wednesday, 30th April returns to Grand Harbour, promising a night of serious entertainment. Expect a breathtaking display from Għaqda tan-Nar Kerċem, last year’s winners, along with a surprise final show that promises to close the festival on a jaw-dropping note.

Whether you’re here for the whole run or just catch a night or two, this is one Maltese tradition you’ll want to see for yourself. It’s the kind of event that brings the whole island together, from quiet village rooftops to bustling harboursides, and invites visitors to experience a side of Malta that’s proud, loud, and absolutely unforgettable.

Just follow the sound of drums and the crackle in the sky. Malta knows how to put on a show, and this week, the stage is set.

For more information visit the website here!