Fun and festivities in Malta - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Malta is a fairly religious country, and therefore for the holidays associated with religion, the Maltese are very serious. Locals are very devoted to the saints, who were chosen by their patrons, and therefore they celebrate their days of remembrance. The largest religious holidays are St. Joseph's Day (March 19), the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15), the Day of the Virgin Mary (September 8), and the Immaculate Conception (December 8). The day of the Virgin Mary coincides with another important holiday - the day of the Great Siege, when the Maltese managed to achieve independence from the Arab conquerors. The main holiday of believers is Easter, the date of celebration of which changes every year. In honor of the holiday people exchange colored eggs, small gifts, and go to holiday services.

Local people are very fond of Christmas, preparing for the holiday begins long before December. Cities are decorated with colorful illumination, which look against the backdrop of ancient buildings with centuries-old history is especially spectacular. People decorate their terraces, balconies, facades of houses. The main flower of Christmas is bright poinsettia; they decorate the central streets of Valletta, along with narrow garlands. On the balconies are installed figures of Santa Clauses hanging from the handrails. The cities are filled with colorful expositions of the scene of the birth of Jesus - the den, there are also Christmas concerts. Throughout the festive night, people walk the streets, celebrate, sing, dance and congratulate each other on Christmas. Often they take their children with them, so that they can enjoy the feeling of Christmas magic.

Another important religious holiday - the Feast of Saints Paul and Peter, is celebrated together with L-Imnarja. It is a national holiday, and therefore the day is considered a day off for all working Maltese. The main events take place in one of the most ancient cities of the country -Mdina and its suburb of Rabat. On this day solemn religious processions with orchestras, horse races, and concerts are held. The cities are covered as much as possible. In ancient times, it was done with the help of huge fires; today the authorities use a safer illumination. The holiday is one of the main national holidays. It is celebrated at the end of June and lasts for several days. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Shortly before the celebration of L-Imnarja in the city of Buskett-Gardens, the solemn opening of the agricultural fair is held. It presents the best products from all over the country, delicious vegetables, fruits, objects for gardening, and products of local artisans. In the festive program there is also a favorite entertainment of the Maltese - horse and donkey races. They are conducted along the route between Reykors Street and Clapham Junction. In July, a large-scale beer festival takes place in the town of Ta-Ali, attracting thousands of people from all over the world. By its color and scale, it is slightly inferior to the Oktoberfest in Germany. Guests of the festival will be able to appreciate the high quality of local beer and snacks with it, take part in contests and entertainments.

Another major colorful event is the Malta Carnival, which has been held in the country for more than 500 years. This carnival takes place after another important holiday - the Shipwreck Day of the Apostle Paul. On this day, the Maltese carry a large statue of the apostle along the central streets of the capital and other large cities, accompanied by an orchestra, stormy applause and confetti, which are sprinkled on the procession from the balconies of the locals. Despite the fact that many religious scholars believe that the apostle Paul crashed off the coast of Croatia, the Maltese consider him their patron. The procession ends at St. Paul's Shipwreck Church.

The Maltese prepare for the carnival for a year. The main action takes place on the streets of Valletta. The audience gathers on balconies, in alleys and on specially constructed stands. More than 30 platforms participate in the procession, each of which has its own, original design. Often platforms are harnessed by horses, which makes the procession even more fascinating. More than 1500 people take part in the carnival. Locals, who do not participate directly in the procession, also wear different carnival costumes and actively support the participants. The holiday continues all day and is accompanied by music, dances and performances.