The Best Cultural Events in Malta: A Guide for Visitors

Last Updated: Jan 04, 2024
Reading Time: 12 minutes
By: Shaun

The small island nation of Malta is well known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. From ancient temples and fortresses to baroque churches and palaces, Malta offers a glimpse into the history and traditions of various civilizations that have left their mark on its shores.

But Malta is not only a place of the past but also a vibrant and modern destination that hosts some of the best festivals and cultural events in the region. Regardless of what kind of event you are interested in, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Malta.

In this article, we will give you an overview of some of the best cultural events and shows in Malta that you can enjoy during your visit. We will also provide you with some tips on how to plan your trip, where to stay, and what to do in between the events.

So, if you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Malta, read on and discover what this island has to offer!

The Best Cultural Events and Shows in Malta

Malta has a year-round calendar of cultural events and shows that cater to different audiences and preferences. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:

Maltese Carnival

Carnival Float | Image by Roo Pitt on Flickr

One of the oldest and most popular events in Malta is the Maltese Carnival, which takes place over a week leading up to Ash Wednesday in February or March. The carnival dates back to the 16th century, when it was introduced by the Knights of St. John as a way of celebrating before the Lenten period.

The carnival features colourful processions, elaborate floats, costumes, masks, music, and dancing in various towns and villages across the island. The biggest and most spectacular celebrations are held in the capital, Valletta, where thousands of people gather to watch the parade and join the festivities.

The most outrageous event takes place in Nadur, on Malta’s sister island of Gozo, where a more macabre and sinister carnival takes place. Here you will find many locals who wear grotesque masks and costumes that mock death, horror, and social issues.

The Maltese Carnival is a fun and lively event that showcases the creativity and humour of the Maltese people. It is also a great opportunity to experience some of the traditional aspects of Maltese culture, such as għana (folk singing) and prinjolata (a sweet cake covered with cream and nuts).

Malta International Fireworks Festival

Fireworks In Malta | Image by Meldarion Quesse on Flickr

Another spectacular event that takes place in Malta is the Malta International Fireworks Festival, which is held over three nights in late April. The festival was introduced in 2004 to mark Malta’s accession to the European Union and has since become an annual attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The festival features pyrotechnic displays from many countries as well as local fireworks factories that compete for the best show. The fireworks are set off from various locations around the island, creating a stunning spectacle over the sea and the sky.

The most impressive show takes place on the last night at Valletta’s Grand Harbour, where hundreds of fireworks light up the historic fortifications and buildings that surround the harbour. The show is accompanied by music and synchronised with a laser show, which adds to the drama and excitement.

The Malta International Fireworks Festival is a dazzling event that celebrates Malta’s history, culture, and identity as part of Europe. It is also a tribute to the Maltese tradition of making fireworks, which dates back to the 17th century, when fireworks started to be used for religious celebrations.

Malta Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival

For jazz lovers, Malta is the place to be in July, when the Malta Jazz Festival takes place. The festival attracts some of the most renowned and influential jazz artists from around the world.

The festival takes place in several locations in Valletta, from its historic location at Ta’ Liesse, a waterfront area where a stage is set up against the backdrop of the sea and the city skyline, to the City Theatre.

Some of the past guests of the festival include Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Al Di Meola, Joe Zawinul, John Scofield, Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, and many more. The festival covers a wide range of jazz styles and genres, from bebop and swing to fusion and avant-garde.

This year the event will be held between July 10 and July 15 and will include performances by The New York Blue Note Quintet, Samara Joy, Superblue (Kurt Elling featuring Charlie Hunter), and the Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet.

Malta International Arts Festival

Concert by Din l'Art Helwa in Malta | Image by Matthias Kundt on Flickr

Are you looking for a cultural experience that will inspire you, challenge you, and entertain you? If so, you should definitely check out the Malta International Arts Festival, a 10-day event that showcases some of the best local and international artists in various forms of art, such as music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and literature.

The Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) is not just a festival; it’s an experience. It goes beyond conventional performance by hosting most of the programme within unique heritage sites. Imagine listening to a concert inside a 17th-century cistern built by the Knights or watching a theatre production on board a two-masted vessel with stunning views of Grand Harbour. That’s what MIAF offers you: a chance to immerse yourself in art and culture in a way that you won’t forget.

The MIAF also features a fringe programme that supports emerging and experimental artists who want to showcase their work to a wider audience. Whether you’re into classical music or contemporary dance, poetry or painting, there’s something for everyone at MIAF.

The festival will take place from June 14th to June 23rd, 2024, in various venues across Malta. The tickets are available online at www.festivals.mt and prices vary depending on the event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the amazing talent and creativity that Malta has to offer. Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable cultural adventure.

Valletta Baroque Festival

Manoel Theatre | Image by Otter on Wikimedia Commons

If you are a fan of baroque and classical music, you should not miss the Valletta Baroque Festival, which is one of the largest and most prestigious music festivals in Malta especially in winter. The festival was founded in 2013 by its current artistic director, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, who is also the director of the Manoel Theatre, the oldest working theatre in Europe.

The festival covers a wide range of styles and genres, from sacred and secular vocal music to instrumental and chamber music, and also showcases some of the most beautiful and historic baroque buildings in Valletta, such as the Manoel Theatre, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the Auberge de Castille. These venues provide a stunning backdrop and an authentic atmosphere for the music.

The festival also includes some contemporary works inspired by baroque music, such as Reuben Pace’s Concertino for guitar, harpsichord, and orchestra, which was premiered in 2017. The festival aims to promote cultural diversity and social inclusion through music, as well as celebrate Malta’s baroque heritage and identity.

The Valletta Baroque Festival is a musical event that offers a unique and memorable experience for both performers and audiences. It is also a chance to discover some of the hidden gems and treasures of Valletta, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The festival takes place every year over a few weeks in January, and the 2024 edition will be held between the 11th and 28th of January.

The Three Palaces Festival

St. John's Co-Cathedral | Image by Herbert Frank on Flickr

Complementing the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Three Palaces Festival showcases classical and contemporary music in some of the most historic and elegant palaces in Malta. The festival features local and international musicians, singers, composers, and conductors.

The Three Palaces Festival in 2024 will be held between October 30 and November 3 in various venues across Malta, such as the Archaeology Museum, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Manoel Theatre, St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Sir Temi Zammit Hall, and City Theatre. The festival offers a diverse and rich programme of concerts, recitals, operas, oratorios, puppetry, and film screenings.

Some of the highlights from the 2023 edition include:

A chamber music concert featuring works by the Debussy Trio for Flute, Viola, and Harp, a work by Maltese composer Alex Vella Gregory, as well as a Lament for the People of Ukraine by Canadian composer David Jaeger.
A recital by world-renowned British mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly with Malcolm Martineau on piano. Preceding the recital, Maltese soprano Nicola Said introduces us to the lushness of the Vienna Secession with a song cycle by Richard Strauss.
Handel’s opera Partenope, performed by HGO Trust Ltd. & Cappella Neapolitana di Antonio Florio Ensemble.
Handel’s oratorio Belshazzar, conducted by Steven Devine with the Valletta Baroque Ensemble and KorMalta.
A trip around the solar system in jazz with Holst’s classic themes re-imagined through the lens of the great Duke Ellington by Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
A comical look behind the scenes as Mozart creates an opera and must compromise his art or the Emperor’s money. A finely tuned parody of 18th-century court entertainment by Karromato puppetry for children.
A restaging of a 1920s gothic cult-horror silent movie The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, together with live music by Minima, was created by Compass Presents.

The tickets for the festival range from €10 to €40, depending on the event and the venue. You can book your tickets online through www.festivals.mt or through authorised ticket sellers.

You can also check the official website of The Three Palaces Festival for more information on the programme, the performers, the venues, and the sponsors. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some of the finest music in some of the most stunning palaces in Malta!

Notte Bianca

View of Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens at Night | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr

One of the most magical and romantic events in Malta is Notte Bianca, which means White Night in Italian. Notte Bianca is a night when Valletta comes alive with lights, music, art, and culture.

Notte Bianca takes place every year on the first Saturday of October and attracts thousands of visitors who flock to Valletta to enjoy a variety of events and activities that are open to the public free of charge. From 6 p.m. to midnight, the city transforms into a huge open-air museum and stage, where you can explore its historic buildings and monuments, watch live performances and concerts, admire art exhibitions and installations, join workshops and tours, and taste some of the local cuisine and specialties.

Some of the highlights of Notte Bianca include:

The opening ceremony is at St. George’s Square, where a spectacular show of lights, music, and fireworks kicks off the night.
Live performances at various venues around the city, such as the Manoel Theatre, the Royal Opera House, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Grandmaster’s Palace You can enjoy a range of genres and styles, from classical and baroque to jazz and rock, from opera and ballet to theatre and dance.
The art exhibitions and installations at various museums and galleries around the city, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Archaeology, the National War Museum, and the Malta Postal Museum. You can admire some of the finest works of Maltese and international artists, as well as some innovative and interactive projects.
The workshops and tours at various sites around the city, such as the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and Fort St Elmo. You can learn more about the history and culture of Valletta, as well as participate in some fun and educational activities.
The food stalls and bars at various locations around the city, such as Republic Street, Merchants Street, and Strait Street, where you can sample some of the delicious food and drinks that Malta has to offer, such as pastizzi (cheese or pea pastries), ftira (flatbread with toppings), timpana (baked pasta pie), rabbit stew, lampuki pie (fish pie), imqaret (date pastries), Kinnie (a bitter orange soda), Cisk (a local beer), and Bajtra (a prickly pear liqueur).

The event will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, and most of the activities are free and open to everyone.

What to Do in Between the Events

Ħaġar Qim | Image by John Haslam on Flickr

Malta has much more to offer than just cultural events and shows. It is also a great destination for sightseeing, relaxing, shopping, dining, and having fun. Here are some of the things you can do in between the events:

Visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta, such as Valletta, Mdina, the Megalithic Temples, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. These sites showcase some of the most impressive examples of architecture, art, and culture in Malta from different periods and civilizations.
Enjoy some of the beautiful beaches and bays in Malta, such as Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, St. George’s Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Blue Grotto. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or dive in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore some of the natural wonders and attractions in Malta, such as Dingli Cliffs, Buskett Gardens, Għar Dalam Cave, Wied il-Ghasri Valley, and Popeye Village. You can hike, bike, picnic, or take photos at these scenic spots.
Experience some of the local cuisine and specialties in Malta, such as pastizzi (cheese or pea pastries), ftira (flatbread with toppings), timpana (baked pasta pie), rabbit stew, lampuki pie (fish pie), and imqaret (date pastries). You can also try some of the local drinks, such as Kinnie (a bitter orange soda), Cisk (a local beer), and Bajtra (a prickly pear liqueur).
Shop for some souvenirs and gifts in Malta, such as lace, filigree, pottery, glassware, honey, cheese, and wine. You can find these items in various shops, markets, and stalls around the island. Some of the best places to shop are Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Marsaxlokk.

Conclusion

Malta is a wonderful destination that offers a variety of cultural events and shows that appeal to different tastes and interests. Whether you are into music, art, film, theatre, dance, or folklore, you will find something to entertain and inspire you in Malta.

In this article, we have given you an overview of some of the best cultural events and shows in Malta that you can attend during your visit. We have also provided you with some tips on how to plan your trip, where to stay, and what to do in between the events.

We hope that this article has helped you learn more about Malta’s culture and attractions and that it has motivated you to book your trip soon. Malta is waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best cultural events in Malta?

Some of the best cultural events in Malta include the Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta International Baroque Festival, the Carnival, the Malta Jazz Festival, and Notte Bianca.

How do Maltese people celebrate Carnival and what are some of the highlights?

Some of the highlights of Carnival in Malta are the traditional dances and masks of the Gozitan village of Nadur, the satirical floats and competitions of Valletta, and the extravagant balls and masquerades of Floriana.

What are some of the best festivals and events in Malta related to food and wine?

Malta is a gastronomic paradise that offers a variety of dishes and drinks influenced by its Mediterranean location and its diverse cultural influences. Some of the best festivals and events in Malta related to food and wine are the Malta International Food Festival, the Delicata Classic Wine Festival, the Qormi Bread Festival, the Gozo Cheese Festival, and the Chocolate Festival.

What are some of the best cultural events and activities in Malta for music lovers?

Malta is a musical island that offers a variety of musical events and activities for music lovers. Some of the best cultural events and activities in Malta for music lovers are the Isle of MTV Malta, the Għanafest - Mediterranean Folk Music Festival, the Rockestra, the Lost & Found Festival, and the Glitch Festival.