In June they have a festival with plenty of music, folk dancing, food, and colorful horses and even a donkey race. This Festival known as Imnarja is centuries old and a tradition that has not changed throughout the years. Also known as the Harvest Festival it is always celebrated on June 29th, the feast of St. Paul and St. Peter includes a nightlong picnic in Buskett Garden feasting on the native dish of stewed rabbit and an equal amount of local wine. A marching band and folklore songs competitions liven up the night long proceedings.

If you visit in September you will be there to see the Regatta which is the celebration of Malta’s victory during the great siege of 1565 and the World War ll. Fort St. Angelo provides an riveting background to the colorful Maltese boats, marching bands, a water carnival, boat races and a fireworks display.

Karnival is another Maltese favorite among the locals. Taking place a few days before lent, Karnival is a great treat for locals and tourists alike. This festivities last for three days and was introduced in Malta in 1535 under Grand Master Pietro del Ponte, five years after Knights took control of the island. This main celebration takes place in the capital city Valletta, but every town and village participates to an extent. The Valletta parade is amazing, including King Carnival and followed by many beautiful well made exquisite floats. Until a few years ago this event also held dances and a masked ball which was the tradition as was the burning of King Carnival on the final day of Karnival.

Though there are many, many other festivals happening throughout the year in Malta the last one to write about is Christmas in Malta. Similar to other places a special church service and other celebrations to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The streets are decorated with beautiful garland and lights and most shops get into the holiday season hoping to lure in customers by dressing their windows with Christmas trees and a variety of items that are sold there to entice the buyers to come in and shop. In the background is the joyful ringing of church bells that ring throughout the island greeting the nativity of Christ.

Malta seems an ideal vacation spot for those who don’t want to be homesick celebrating Christmas, boat races, parades and fireworks are found all over the world it is the beauty of the majestic island of Malta that makes this trip so amazingly special.