What started as a celebration of Ireland’s patron saint has evolved into a full-blown festival in Malta. Revellers dressed in green hats, shamrocks and Irish-themed outfits fill the streets around Spinola and Paceville, with music, drinks and crowds spilling out from bars and restaurants along the bay. Over the years, the event has grown so large that it now attracts thousands of locals and tourists who come to join the celebrations. 

Spinola Bay is at the heart of the action. The waterfront, surrounding streets and nearby Paceville area typically become packed from the afternoon onwards, with DJs, drink offers and outdoor gatherings creating a buzzing atmosphere that continues late into the evening. Bars and venues around Tigullio and the Spinola shoreline are especially busy, often hosting themed parties and live music throughout the night. 

However, the scale of the celebration also means major traffic changes in the area tomorrow. Several roads around St Julian’s and Spinola Bay will be closed from around midday on 17th March until the early hours of the following morning to accommodate the crowds. Streets affected include St George’s Road, George Borg Olivier Street, Ross Street, Mikiel Ang Borg Street, Spinola Street, Paceville Street and Sacred Heart Square in Spinola, among others. Tow zones will also be in force from early morning, meaning vehicles parked in restricted areas may be removed. Be sure to follow Transport Malta’s latest updates.

Public transport will also be impacted. A number of bus routes travelling between Sliema, St Julian’s, San Ġwann and Pembroke will be diverted, and several stops along the coastal route including Balluta, Olivier, Ross and Spinola may not be served during the closures. Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance or check the Tallinja app for updates. 

For those planning to join the festivities, the advice is simple: arrive early, wear green and be prepared for large crowds. Whether you are heading down for a quick drink by the bay or planning a full evening of celebrations, St Patrick’s Day in Spinola Bay remains one of Malta’s most lively annual street events. And if you are driving anywhere near St Julian’s tomorrow, it might be best to avoid the area entirely.