Malta Public Holidays 2026
Malta has 14 public holidays and 0 observances in 2026. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | New Year's Day | public | |
| Tue | Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Malta | public | |
| Thu | Saint Joseph | public | |
| Tue | Freedom Day | public | |
| Fri | Good Friday | public | |
| Fri | Labour Day | public | |
| Sun | June 7th | public | |
| Mon | Saints Peter and Paul | public | |
| Sat | Assumption | public | |
| Tue | Victory Day | public | |
| Mon | Independence Day | public | |
| Tue | Immaculate Conception | public | |
| Sun | Republic Day | public | |
| Fri | Christmas Day | public |
About Malta's Holidays
Malta mixes national, public, and strong local traditions. National days like Independence, Republic and Freedom are marked with flags, speeches and official events that celebrate Malta becoming a modern state and its wartime resilience.
Religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Good Friday are widely observed. Church services, family meals and long-held customs shape how people spend these days. Many public holidays are also linked to saints and historic events.
Local festas and Carnival bring loud band marches, fireworks, processions and street parties. Village feasts for patron saints are especially important. Together these holidays blend national pride, faith and lively community celebrations that define Maltese culture.
Holiday Traditions
Maltese holidays mix religion and village life. People attend church, light candles, and join lively festas. Streets fill with music from brass bands, colorful decorations, and lots of fireworks at night. Community pride and faith are very visible.
Food and family are central. Families gather for big meals with traditional dishes like rabbit stew, baked fish, fresh bread, and sweet pastries. Sharing food, stories, and laughter is important. Homes feel warm and crowded as relatives visit and children play.
Public celebrations turn towns into joyful places. Processions, marching bands, decorated streets, and outdoor feasts bring neighbors together. Local clubs organize concerts and fireworks, making holidays both noisy and fun for everyone.
Travel Tips
Visiting Malta (mt) during the holiday season means some shops, banks and government offices close on public holidays and Sundays. Many restaurants, cafes and tourist sites stay open, but hours can change, especially around big celebrations and public evenings.
Public buses run reduced timetables on holidays and Sundays. Taxis can be harder to find and more expensive. Ferry and boat services may have fewer crossings. Car rental desks sometimes close on major holidays, so check schedules and book transfers in advance.
Holidays bring crowds in Valletta, Mdina and village feasts. Book hotels, tours and restaurants early. Carry some cash for small stalls, check opening hours online, and expect festive decorations and busy streets when planning your trip.