Maltese festas are celebrated for their vibrant decorations, elaborate statues and dazzling lights, but one beautiful detail often goes unnoticed: the pilandra.

Take a closer look at the magnificent angel statues lining the streets during a village feast, and you'll spot them holding an impressive multi-bulb bracket high above their heads. This decorative feature is known as a pilandra.

While it now serves as a striking visual centrepiece, the pilandra originally had a much more practical purpose. Before the arrival of modern electricity, these illuminated brackets helped light up Malta's narrow streets during festa celebrations, allowing villagers and visitors to safely enjoy the festivities after dark.

Over time, the pilandra evolved from a functional light source into an intricate work of art. Today, these carefully crafted brackets are admired for their detailed design and the warm, dramatic glow they cast across the streets. The angel holding the pilandra is typically depicted carrying a religious symbol in its other hand, creating a balance between faith, tradition and craftsmanship.

It's these small yet fascinating details that make Maltese festas so unique. Beyond the fireworks and marching bands lies a rich history, with every decoration telling a story that has been passed down through generations.

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