As the summer months roll in, Malta’s festa season is warming up, and this past weekend, the town of Żebbuġ set the bar with the beloved Festa ta’ San Filep – a much-awaited celebration that brought joy, music, and pyrotechnic brilliance to the central town’s streets.

On Friday evening, the sky lit up with the Revolution of Pyrotechnical Arts, a jaw-dropping ground fireworks display (‘nar tal-art’) that wowed locals and visitors alike. True to its name, the show combined tradition with artistry, offering the ultimate demonstration of Malta’s world-famous fireworks craftsmanship.

The traditional Sunday morning march, locally referred to as ‘il-marċ ta’ filgħodu’, is a cornerstone of the traditional Maltese feast, and San Filep’s this year was nothing short of spectacular. The Banda 12th May led the charge, with an energetic four-hour march weaving through the heart of Żebbuġ, rousing crowds with music and merriment.

As the march reached its climax, festa-goers were treated to a moving performance of the feast’s iconic anthem, ‘Reġa’ Wasal il-Jum’ – composed in 1962 and considered the musical soul of this celebration. With streamers flying and flags waving, it was a moment that perfectly captured Żebbuġ’s proud festa spirit, and literally painted the town red (and green)!

Sunday evening brought more festa magic as the 12th May Fireworks Factory put on a dazzling aerial display, synchronised with colourful smoke effects and a computerised firing system. The show took place during the solemn yet celebratory procession of the statue of San Filep, uniting spiritual devotion with visual wonder, and bringing a grand finale to a weekend of festa fun.

Were you in Żebbuġ this weekend for San Filep?