The feast of the Epiphany, traditionally celebrated on January 6th, holds special significance in many countries, including Malta’s neighbors in Italy. Until the 1980s, Epiphany was a public holiday in Malta, but since then, the Maltese have shifted their celebration to the first Sunday of the year, known locally as ‘It-Tre Re’ (The Three Kings).

While no longer a public holiday, the Epiphany is still marked in various ways. Some schools close for the occasion, and it typically symbolises the official end of the Christmas season, with festive lights and decorations usually remaining up until then.

A cherished custom in Malta is the tradition of Epiphany concerts, held in churches like St. Augustine’s in Valletta, which honor the feast with beautiful music - a peaceful way to end the festive season.

You may not know of a sweet local tradition that ties 'Qaghaq tal-Ghasel' (honey rings) to the celebrations, as they are typically served on this day, due to their ring-like shape symbolically representing the liturgical calendar or eternity. 

However, one of the most beloved Epiphany traditions is the Adoration of the Magi, a reenactment in which the Three Kings travel across various localities across Malta and Gozo before culminating in a grand arrival at the live nativity scene in Ghajnsielem, Gozo.

Will you be celebrating the Epiphany this year?