Picture this: golden evenings, fireworks bursting above baroque church domes, and brass bands marching through streets lined with lights and laughter. Welcome to festa (feast) season in Malta.

Forget what you think you know about summer holidays in Malta, July means one thing here: celebration. And when the Maltese throw a party, they do it properly. A “festa” isn’t just a low-key village fair; here it’s a full-on explosion of colour, sound, and tradition. Think streamers everywhere, music around every corner, the smell of sizzling street food, and locals of all ages coming together for a proper knees-up. Whether you’re staying in a sleepy seaside town or right in the heart of a bustling village, chances are you’ll stumble into a festa, or six, this July.

So pop on your comfiest shoes (you’ll be doing a bit of strolling, dancing, and snacking), and mark your calendars. Here’s what’s going on and where: