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The Summer festive season in the Maltese Islands
One of the events most sought after during the summer months in the Maltese Islands , is the very typical and traditional festa - an evening of religious and joyous celebrations aimed at the patron saint of the local village.
It includes a wonderful display of street decorations, colourful fireworks, vendors of typical Maltese delicacies at every corner, musical bands and much more. The festivities are highlighted by the outright joy and devotion demonstrated by the Maltese habitants of the village.
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Every town and village in the Maltese Islands has its own patron saint. In some case there are also two. Once a year a feast is held in honour of these patron saints. Most feasts are organized in Summer. This is the most important in the social calendar for the inhabitants of the respective localities. Apart form the religious functions, which take place inside the church, great importance is attached to the external festivities.
Almost every locality in the Maltese Islands has its own musical band club, and in the days preceding the feast day the band takes to the streets. They play band marches to the delight of the parishoners who attend in great numbers to watch and listen. |
No visit to the Maltese Islands between May and September is complete without seeing a village festa in full swing, a popular component of the Maltese summer nightlife. It's a chance to catch a slice of island life close up and be part of a tradition that stretches back to the 16 th century.
Feasts may seem chaotic exuberance at times, but a lot of careful planning goes into organising them. And the event is still very much a spiritual affair. During the festa week, families flock to their respective parish church, and lots of crowds partying all over the village. The church is illuminated with thousands of bulbs and festoons with decorations inside and out. Parishioners, often invitin family and friends over. The church's treasures are also displayed during this lovely occasion.
On the actual feast day, the statue of the patron saint is carried around the main streets of the town or village shoulder high, and showered with confetti as it wends its way to the cheers of the enthusiastic crowds. |
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There is something unusually captivating about a typical Maltese village festa. It is a time for both spiritual contemplation and for the whole parish to come together. The festa is the main social event in the village year. Festa week is the outcome of months of hard work by many willing volunteers!
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