Maltese festas are much-awaited annual events that take place in each and every locality, and more often than not, they all come around in summer, packing up your weekends! Never been? Here are a few things to expect.
1. Xeba buzz
One thing is for sure - you’ll have a whale of a time at a Maltese festa, or as we say in Maltese, ha niehdu buzz! There’s something for everyone and it's a great way to get to know Maltese culture.
2. Street food
It wouldn’t be a Maltese event without food outlets. Food trucks line the streets, selling deep fried goodness and sweet treats that are a definite must-try.
3. Fireworks everyday at noon
Precisely at noon every day in the week leading up to the feast, fireworks will go off, even though celebrations haven’t begun yet. That will serve as your daily festa reminder – even though it does get a smidge annoying.
4. Statues. Everywhere.
Statues of religious figures can be found round every corner, along main streets and definitely in the main square and in the church. These statues tell the story of the biblical feast the village is celebrating.
5. Awesome decorations
Bandalori, banners and fluffy coloured strings can be found in every street round the main square and in main roads of the locality. They make for totally awesome Insta shots, too.
6. Busy roads (and closed ones)
A downside of all this fun is a lot of detours and rerouting during festa weekend. Roads will be closed for the festivities, so the best thing would be to decide on a Plan B route (and C and D) just in case!
7. Gigifogu
Maltese feasts pride themselves on their fireworks displays, both in the air and on land. The gigifogu is an incredible land fireworks display that stops every passer-by in their tracks to admire the fantastic colours.
8. The locality’s band and procession
The band and procession is an important part of the festa. Follow the procession through the streets to the church and buzz the night away!
Happy feast!