Malta has incredible sights to see events to get involved in, fascinating attractions to visit, and themed festivals to enjoy all year-round.
So, there’s really no excuse not to visit Malta when there is so much to see and do.
Coming up are some of the hottest and most anticipated things to see and do year, so why not plan your Maltese trip around some of these?
1. Holy Week is pure Malta magic
Easter is a big celebration in Malta. Churches are lavishly decorated and glow in the evenings.
On Maundy Thursday the believers gather after sunset in Siggiewi for a torchlight procession.
Don’t miss the magnificent Easter church parades on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Two famous parades take place on Good Friday in Qormi and on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Vittoriosa.
Holy Week runs from 14 to 20 April 2019.
2. The epic Malta Fireworks Festival
This year sees the 18th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival, organised by the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority.
Firework shows will take place over four nights in four different locations between Wednesday 24 April and Saturday 4 May 2019.
Mqabba – Wednesday 24 April
Xaghra, Gozo – Saturday 27 April
Valletta – Tuesday 30 April
The Granaries, Floriana – Saturday 4 May
The festival also has a competitive edge. Each year, the festival hosts a pyromusical competition where fireworks are designed to match the rhythm of a musical number. Awards are then distributed to the most impressive displays.
3. Don’t miss Medieval Mdina
Expect to see battles, sword fighting, slaves in chains and a whole lot more as Malta’s former capital hosts the annual Medieval Mdina Festival.
The two-day event, on Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May, attracts thousands of families and tourists to Mdina.
There’ll be battle re-enactments, medieval music, jesters, falconry, a children’s area and a brilliant medieval food market.
4. Every village has a Saint’s Day
Every village and town in Malta and Gozo has its own saint’s day celebration, or ‘festa’.
It’s another brilliant excuse for music, dancing, and fireworks.
They kick off in the last week of April with the feast of St Publius in Floriana. One of the most spectacular feasts held every year is at the Mosta Dome.
5. Isle of MTV Malta is massive
Isle of MTV Malta is back for the 13th year in a row.
This year’s massive free concert will once again be held at the Granaries in Floriana and will kick off Malta Music Week from July 9 to 14.
Jam-packed with iconic club nights, performances and parties at the best venues on the island, stay tuned for announcements, special events and the concert line up, coming soon!
Previous performers at Isle of MTV Malta include big names such as Jason Derulo, Jess Glynne, Jessie J, Rita Ora, Flo Rida, Snoop Dogg, Scissor Sisters, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Nelly Furtado, Maroon 5 and Enrique Iglesias.
6. Notte Bianca is 100% spectacular
Notte Bianca has grown to become Malta’s largest cultural festival.
The 2019 edition will be held in Valletta on Saturday 5 October.
All over the city, state palaces and museums open their doors for visual art exhibitions and theatrical performances, and musicians and dancers perform throughout the capital’s streets and piazzas.
7. Birgufest is Instagram heaven
Birgufest will be held from 11 to 13 October 2019.
The festival celebrates Vittoriosa’s rich history and its stunning architecture.
One of the most popular events is Birgu By Candlelight when the city is illuminated by candles, giving it a romantic and soft glow.
For more information, visit the Birgufest Facebook page.
8. Malta’s famous Middle Sea Race
The 40th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race Race will start on the 19 October 2019, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
Yachts from around the world will gather at the start line in the Grand Harbour in Valletta.
From South Africa to the United States, from Chile to New Zealand, the appeal of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is unquestionably broad, with over 30 countries represented in 2018.
9. Malta has the best scuba diving
The Maltese Islands have an abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks that make diving here some of the most interesting in the Mediterranean.
The calmness and clarity of the sea makes for excellent visibility creating the perfect conditions for first time divers and beginners.
For more experienced divers, there are plenty of challenging dives to choose from – including a number of shipwrecks.
There are several types of diving courses and activities offered by a number of licensed diving schools in Malta and Gozo.
10. Malta’s a filming favourite
The Maltese Islands have been home to Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator, U-571, The Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, Munich as well as dramas such as the BBC’s Byron, HBO’s Game Of Thrones and ITV’s Coronation Street.
In recent years, Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular filming locations and has been dubbed ‘the Hollywood of the Mediterranean’ by The Times newspaper.
Malta has also teamed up with Bollywood and the first Indian blockbuster was shot here last year.
The islands have ‘doubled’ for an amazing variety of locations on screen, including London, Baghdad, Oxford, Tel Aviv, Cairo and Tripoli.
Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Guy Ritchie and other renowned directors, as well as a host of A-list stars such as Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Madonna and Sean Connery have all experienced Malta’s film-making facilities.
Of course, these are just a few of the exciting things that Malta has planned.
Make sure you keep an eye out on Malta Easy for more events happening in 2019.
