The Winter day commemorates St. Paul’s unprecedented visit to the island after a ship carrying him to Rome was hit by a heavy storm. When the survivors gathered to light a fire for warmth, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but miraculously suffered no illnesses. The scene is portrayed in many religious artworks on the islands.

Locals interpreted the event as a special sign, and thus Paul was invited to stay at the house of Publius, the Romans’ chief man in Malta. Tradition has it that Paul treated Publius’ father’s severe fever during his time there, after which Publius converted to Christianity and became the first Bishop of Malta.

In commemoration of the day, Heritage Malta is inviting the public to an exclusive guided tour and celebratory mass at the historic San Pawl Milqi in Burmarrad, St. Paul’s Bay. The site is normally closed, although it is traditionally linked to the story of St. Paul’s arrival on the island of Malta. The name San Pawl Milqi comes from the long-held belief that the site was the meeting place between St. Paul and Publius during his time in Malta approximately AD 60. 

The mass will begin at 10 am at the on-site chapel. The tours will be offered both in Maltese and English, with the former starting at 9 am and the latter at 11 am. They will provide an engrossing account of the abundant agricultural legacy that spans the Punic, Roman, and Arab eras. The site also has a long history of beekeeping for visitors to explore, though those who are allergic to bee stings are advised to approach with caution.