Your Guide to Every Festa Happening in Malta This August
Lija
If you’ve ever found yourself in Malta on a warm summer evening, chances are you’ve heard the distant echoing of fireworks or walked into a street suddenly alive with lights, music, and people. That’s a local festa, and in August, there are plenty of them.
These village feasts are a big part of life here. Each one celebrates a patron saint, and the whole community gets involved, decorating the streets, lighting up the church, setting off fireworks, and organising processions with brass bands and statues. There’s usually food and drink, and plenty of people spill into the streets.
It’s not just for locals either. If you’re visiting, it’s a great way to see what Maltese village life is really like: lively, welcoming, and full of character. And with so many festas on throughout August, chances are you’ll walk right into one whether you mean to or not.
Here’s what’s happening this month, and where you can catch it.
Sunday 3 August
St Dominic, Valletta
Marsaxlokk – Our Lady of Pompei
Birżebbuġa – St Peter in Chains
Qala (Gozo) – St Joseph
San Ġwann – Our Lady of Lourdes
Valletta – St Dominic
A packed Sunday to start the month. Head to Marsaxlokk if you fancy combining a seaside stroll with a festa. Birżebbuġa is another good coastal pick, or if you’re in the capital, Valletta’s celebrations for St Dominic bring a touch of pageantry to the city’s historic streets.
Wednesday 6 August
Lija fireworks
Ħal Lija – Christ Our Saviour
A midweek festa that’s known for one thing in particular: fireworks. Lija’s aerial display is one of the most talked about on the island, and it draws a big crowd. Definitely one to catch if you’re in Malta midweek.
Sunday 10 August
St Gaetan, Hamrun
Birgu – St Laurence
Ħamrun – San Gaetan
Qawra – St Maximilian Kolbe
San Lawrenz (Gozo) – St Laurence
A strong line-up this weekend. Birgu’s narrow streets set the perfect stage for a traditional festa, while Ħamrun’s San Cajetan feast is loud, lively, and packed with energy. For something by the sea, Qawra offers a more modern setting with plenty going on.
Friday 15 August – Feast of the Assumption
Victoria, Gozo
Mqabba
Qrendi
Mosta
Gudja
Attard
Ħal Għaxaq
Birkirkara
Victoria (Gozo)
Ħal-Muxi, Ħaż-Żebbuġ
Santa Marija, as it’s known locally, is the big one. This national feast day sees festas in towns and villages across both islands, and wherever you end up, you’ll find crowds, fireworks, and a real sense of celebration. The town of Mosta is very famous for its massive domed church and even bigger fireworks display, while Gozo’s capital Victoria throws a brilliant party.
Sunday 17 August
Victoria, Gozo
Dingli – Assumption of the Virgin Mary
If you’re after a quieter day out, Dingli’s scenic cliffs make for a peaceful backdrop to a charming local festa. It’s less crowded but no less heartfelt.
Thursday 21 August
Santa Luċija – St Pius X
It’s a smaller community celebration, but it’s still worth a visit if you’re in the area. It’s friendly and relaxed, with all the usual festa touches.
Sunday 24 Auugst
St Helen, Birkirkara
Birkirkara – St Helen
Tas-Sliema – Our Lady Star of the Sea
Mġarr – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Għargħur – St Bartholomew
Żebbuġ (Gozo) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Iż-Żurrieq (Bubaqra) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Birkirkara’s festa for St Helen is one of the largest in Malta, complete with a morning procession and some stunning decorations. Sliema adds its own coastal flair, and Mġarr’s celebration brings rural charm. It’s a busy weekend with something to suit every kind of festa-goer.
Sunday 31 Auugst
St Julian's
Għajnsielem (Gozo) – Our Lady of Loreto
Paola – Our Lady of Lourdes
Birgu – St Dominic
Marsa – Maria Regina
Manikata – St Joseph
Ħal Safi – The Conversion of St Paul
St Julian’s – St Julian
August ends with a solid line-up across the islands. St Julian’s offers a great mix of festa fun and nightlife, while Manikata gives you a taste of a more intimate village gathering. Back in Birgu, it’s St Dominic’s turn once again, and they certainly know how to keep the party going.
Visiting a festa is one of the best ways to experience Maltese culture up close. You don’t need to plan too much, just show up, soak in the atmosphere, and follow the sounds of the band. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a bit of cash for street food and drinks, and don’t be surprised if you end up dancing in the street or eating nougat with strangers. That’s just how it goes here!
