Malta's social calendar revolves around the village festa, and if you are anywhere on the island between May and September you are almost certain to stumble into one. Each village celebrates the feast day of its patron saint with outdoor masses, brass band marches, elaborate street lighting, and fireworks that go on — very loudly — well past midnight. Around 95 festas are held across Malta and another 10 in Gozo each year. The fireworks are not the quiet kind: Maltese pyrotechnics are a source of intense local pride and rivalry, and the bangs echo off the limestone for miles. UNESCO added the Maltese village festa to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
Carnival (February)
The week before Lent brings elaborate floats, costumes, and street parties to Valletta and Nadur in Gozo. Nadur's carnival is notably raucous and irreverent — fancy dress leans toward the satirical and grotesque.
Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck (10 February)
A national public holiday marking the arrival of St Paul in Malta in 60 AD, celebrated with particular devotion in Valletta.
Mnarja (29 June)
One of Malta's oldest festivals, held on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. The main celebrations take place at Buskett Gardens near Rabat, where families picnic overnight. Rabbit stew — the national dish — is the traditional food of the day.
Isle of MTV (June/July)
A free open-air concert held in Floriana that draws very large crowds. International headliners and a party atmosphere; book accommodation well in advance if visiting around this time.
Malta International Arts Festival (July)
Performances of music, theatre, and dance in venues across Valletta and the Three Cities. A good mix of Maltese and international programming.
Notte Bianca (October)
Valletta's "White Night" opens museums, galleries, and historic buildings for free after dark, with street performances throughout the city. One of the best evenings to be in Valletta.