Step Into Malta’s Living Easter Traditions with a Heritage Walk Through Historic Birgu
Couvre Porte
Visitors to Malta can step into centuries-old Holy Week traditions during an atmospheric evening walking tour in Vittoriosa on Monday, 30 March, 2026.
Visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience in Birgu are invited to discover centuries of tradition during a unique Easter heritage walk that reveals the spiritual and historical heart of one of Malta’s most atmospheric cities.
Set against the timeless backdrop of fortified streets and honey-coloured architecture, the Birgu Easter Traditions Walk offers a rare opportunity to explore how faith, community, and history intertwine during Holy Week. Over three and a half immersive hours, participants journey through sacred spaces, hidden corners, and remarkable exhibitions that bring Birgu’s living traditions vividly to life.
The walk begins near the Dom Mintoff monument, where visitors gather before heading to the renowned Last Supper display at Domus Pius IX. From there, the group proceeds to an exhibition hosted within the monastery of St Theresa Church.
Michelangelo, ‘Tondo Doni’, detail, image by Teddy Stivala, rice
Entering Birgu through the historic Couvre Porte, participants visit the magnificent St Lawrence Parish Church. Here, eight striking statues dressed in real garments and reflecting Spanish religious iconography are displayed, including the deeply moving effigy of Our Lady of Sorrows, which is carried in solemn procession during Holy Week. A restored parish crypt further impresses visitors with a life-size Last Supper installation that captures the emotion and symbolism of the Easter story.
The experience continues through Birgu’s historic Collachio district, where several curated exhibitions showcase miniature statues, crucifixes, and detailed Holy Week scenes crafted with extraordinary care. In the city’s main square, visitors catch a glimpse of the evocative Gethsemane exhibition at the St Lawrence Band Club before moving on to another remarkable display within the cloister of the Dominican Monastery.
As night falls, the tour concludes with a moving open-air, moonlit Way of the Cross featuring life-size statues, a powerful and unforgettable finale that captures the solemn beauty of Easter in Malta.
St Lawrence Parish Church
This heritage walk offers more than sightseeing; it provides a deeper appreciation of Birgu’s architectural beauty, enduring customs, and strong communal spirit that continues to define the city’s identity.
Visitors are advised that the route includes considerable walking, steps, and uneven surfaces, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The tour departs promptly at 6:00pm, and attendees are encouraged to allow sufficient time for parking and event check-in.
With limited places available, this intimate cultural experience is expected to fill quickly.
Get your tickets here!
