Malta Public Holidays 2025

Malta, a beautiful island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history and diverse cultural influences. Public holidays in Malta are an important part of the local culture, and people celebrate them with joy, family gatherings, and community events. If you are planning to visit or live in Malta in 2025, it’s good to know the public holidays to make the most of your time there.

In this article, we will explore the key public holidays in Malta for the year 2025, what they celebrate, and how they are observed.

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1. New Year’s Day (January 1st, 2025)

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the year, and like many other countries, Malta celebrates this day with joy and hope. On January 1st, people in Malta usually take time to relax with family and friends, enjoying good food and conversation. Shops, offices, and public services are typically closed, giving everyone a chance to rest after the busy holiday season. Some restaurants and bars may remain open for those looking to celebrate or dine out.

2. Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck (February 10th, 2025)

This holiday is one of the most important religious celebrations in Malta. It commemorates the shipwreck of Saint Paul, who is believed to have arrived on the island in AD 60. According to tradition, Saint Paul’s ship was wrecked off the coast of Malta, and he brought Christianity to the island.

The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is celebrated with church services, processions, and local festivals. The largest celebrations take place in Valletta, the capital city, where there are special events, such as a religious procession and fireworks in the evening.

3. Good Friday (April 18th, 2025)

Good Friday is a significant day for Christians, as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Malta, it is a solemn day, and many people attend church services to reflect on the religious meaning of the day. There are no large celebrations or parties, as it is a day of mourning.

One of the traditions in Malta is the Good Friday processions, which take place in various towns and villages. These processions involve people carrying religious statues, and some even participate in reenactments of the Passion of Christ. The atmosphere is peaceful and reflective, with a sense of reverence across the country.

4. Easter Sunday (April 20th, 2025)

Easter Sunday is a joyous occasion that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After the solemnity of Good Friday, Easter Sunday brings a more festive mood. People in Malta celebrate with family gatherings, special church services, and traditional meals.

Easter eggs, a symbol of new life, are commonly exchanged, and you’ll find Easter markets selling handmade crafts, chocolates, and other treats. The day is also marked by lively events and celebrations, including festive processions in some towns.

5. Labour Day (May 1st, 2025)

Labour Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, and Malta is no exception. It is a day to honor the hard work of laborers and workers. In Malta, it is a public holiday with a strong focus on labor rights and social justice.

On Labour Day, you will find various events like marches and rallies, organized by unions and political groups. It’s also a day to spend with family and friends, and many people enjoy the day off by having barbecues or picnics in the countryside or by the sea.

6. Feast of St. Joseph (March 19th, 2025)

The Feast of St. Joseph is a celebration of Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus. This holiday is observed with religious ceremonies and festivities, especially in the town of Rabat, where there is a big procession. People decorate their homes and churches with flowers, and some attend mass to honor St. Joseph.

This day is also an opportunity for many people to enjoy the spring weather, and the day is often marked by family gatherings and meals.

7. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th, 2025)

This is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is widely observed in Malta with religious ceremonies. Many people attend church services and participate in processions in various towns.

In Valletta, the capital, there are often special events, and families enjoy a long weekend together. People also use this day to reflect on the religious meaning of the feast and to spend time with loved ones.

8. Independence Day (September 21st, 2025)

Independence Day marks an important milestone in Malta’s history. On this day in 1964, Malta gained independence from British colonial rule. Independence Day is celebrated with pride, and it is a time to reflect on Malta’s progress as a nation.

On this day, there are national celebrations, including ceremonies, parades, and events in Valletta. The day is filled with patriotic feelings, and many people show their love for the island by displaying the Maltese flag. It is also a day for families to gather and enjoy outdoor activities.

9. Republic Day (December 13th, 2025)

Republic Day, celebrated on December 13th, marks the day in 1974 when Malta became a republic. It is another significant national holiday, and the celebrations often include official ceremonies and gatherings. The day is marked by patriotic events, including speeches and performances.

While the atmosphere is celebratory, it is also a time for reflection on Malta’s journey as a republic. Public offices and businesses are closed, and many people take the day off to enjoy with family and friends.

10. Christmas Day (December 25th, 2025)

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Malta. People come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, with church services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. On Christmas Day, people typically attend mass and enjoy large family gatherings.

Malta’s streets are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and nativity scenes. In many villages, there are live nativities and Christmas markets. The atmosphere is joyful, and the celebrations last throughout the holiday season, leading up to New Year’s Day.

Conclusion

Malta’s public holidays in 2025 offer a mix of religious, national, and cultural celebrations. These holidays reflect Malta’s deep Christian traditions, its history, and its national pride. Whether it’s a solemn day like Good Friday, a joyful celebration like Easter Sunday, or a patriotic event like Independence Day, each holiday brings people together to mark important moments in history and life.

If you’re planning to visit Malta, these public holidays are great opportunities to experience the island’s rich culture and traditions. From lively festivals to peaceful religious observances, there is something for everyone to enjoy on these special days.