The entire archipelago is one giant feast today, with fireworks going off all over the place, but if you’re not up for celebrating, there are a few quiet corners you can escape to.
It’s a big day today. The feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, or, as we call it, Santa Marija, is Malta’s most revered and popular festa, so much so that it is celebrated in no fewer than seven localities. It's also a public holiday, and many businesses take the opportunity to give their staff a well-earned summer break by taking the entire week off.
Most of the population of Malta crosses the channel to the sister island Gozo, with extra ferry services laid on to accommodate the steep increase in passengers. If you’re heading that way, expect longer queues at the Cirkewwa terminal.
Parish feasts are certainly a lot of fun, but it may all get a bit too much for some, who'd rather spend their day chilling out in peace and quiet. With festivities taking place across Malta and Gozo, it may be almost impossible to get away from the fireworks, but there are ways to skip all the mayhem and enjoy the rest of the festa-free island
1. Avoid these seven towns
If you really are not into festas then you’ll have to avoid these seven towns: Mqabba, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Qrendi, Mosta, Attard or Victoria in Gozo. They are otherwise delightful places to visit, each with its own history and quirkiness. But today it’s their day, so if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, head elsewhere.
2. Head to the beach
I can’t guarantee that it will be quiet, but there won’t be any brass band marches on the beach, that’s for sure! Anyone who is not a festa enthusiast will be hitting the beach today, but there are plenty to choose from, especially some lovely hidden coves on Gozo where you can pretend you’re the only one not interested in the festa.
3. Take to the sea
Leave the celebrations on land behind, and spend the day at sea. Whether it's a round-the-island day cruise, a simple 90-minute harbour cruise or a full-blown charter, it is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all treat that will make today extra special.
4. Walk through history at night
It may be too hot to do much sightseeing by day, but wait till sundown before heading out to Mdina or Valletta for an evening stroll through their glorious historic streets. They’re both festa-free, but you can still enjoy some fireworks in the distance (especially from the bastions of Mdina) and there’s no shortage of restaurants or bars for a romantic dinner or cool drink.
5. Go to the cinema
Take a break from all that scorching heat and enjoy a few hours in air-conditioned bliss in a darkened room catching up with the latest flicks. You’re quite likely to have the place almost all to yourself so you can always pretend you’ve bagged your own private cinema.