Culture
Agriculture, tradition, and a bag of nuts? Must visit this week: the feast of San Martin
A popular November feast among locals and visitors, young and old!

Jillian Mallia

“Ġewż, lewż, qastan, tin, kemm inħobbu lil San Martin!” St Martin’s feast is commemorated on 11th November and is one Maltese tradition that has been passed through generations. In Maltese culture, St Martin’s feast is celebrated on the Sunday closest to 11th November, and occurs at a time when walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and dried figs are in abundance, hence the saying “walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, fig – oh how we love St Martin!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Enchiridion Press (@enchiridionpress) on

The feast celebrates St Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier whose story has been recounted several times. It is said that after cutting off half his cloak to give to a beggar, he had a vision and converted to Christianity.

The theme of poverty in St Martin’s story is roped in with the Maltese tradition of handing out bags of nuts and fruits, the borża ta’ San Martin. Traditionally these were given out to the poor - the larger and fuller the bags were a reflection of the wealth of the giver.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amanda Marie (@am_ore) on

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Maltese feast without sweet treats put in the mix! A traditional feast sweet is the Torta ta’ San Martin (San Martin cake), made of a nut and fruit mix similar to that found in the borża. Another sweet treat loved by all, especially children, is the ħobż ta’ San Martin, which is a sweet bread usually incorporating liquorice and sugar on top.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blog🍩Cakes🍰 Food Photo☕ (@innafreska) on

Since St Martin of Tours is their patron saint, the main events happen in Baħrija (suburbs of Rabat, Malta). Locally known as Il-Fiera ta’ San Martin, this traditional event dates back hundreds of years, initially centring around playing games and winning lambs or rabbits. Recent traditions centre on agriculture, food, and entertainment for all the family. A popular activity is the roasting of chestnuts on open fires, which attracts many, and every year during the feast, a young St Martin dressed in full Roman general costume walks through the town in the morning, and an older version of St Martin dressed as a bishop takes the same route in the afternoon, alluding to St Martin’s legend.

Will you be heading over to Baħrija to celebrate?


Jillian Mallia
Written by
Jillian Mallia
A book lover, writer and globetrotter who loves exploring new places and the local gems that the Maltese Islands have to offer. An avid foodie and arts fanatic, Jillian searches the island and beyond for the perfect settings to write about.

You may also like...
Culture

Emma Galea
Culture
Culture
Hamrun’s High Street has always been a busy one!

Emma Galea
Culture
Culture
Freedom Day in Malta is significant - here's why and what to expect.

Melanie Drury
Culture
Culture
The tradition’s popularity has slowly died out.

Emma Galea
Culture

Caroline Curmi