Fireworks are a definitely a ‘thing’ in Malta. Almost any occasion includes a fireworks spectacle. Notably, the local parish feasts, commonly known as festi (s. festa), celebrate their patron saints with colour and sparkle, lighting up the skies all the year round, especially throughout the summer.

Almost every town and village has a fireworks factory. Competition is fierce between fireworks clubs and enthusiasts, who will take time off work or fly in from living abroad when their village festa is approaching in order to carry out any preparation. It is dangerous work, and several lives have even been lost. But the fanaticism continues with the same fervour nonetheless.

Malta International Fireworks Festival

This might explain the passion surrounding the Malta International Fireworks Festival. It is a spectacle of light like no other.

Every year, in April, the Malta International Fireworks Festival welcomes local and foreign pyrotechnic companies from all around the world to display their magnificent work. Participants partake in a competition that has become one of Malta’s biggest annual attractions.

Each night promises a beautiful display of colour to excite the wide-eyed child within you. The festival includes a pyromusical competition, which means that the fireworks are designed to match the music! The colour and coordination is of the highest degree and even the most sceptical among you is bound to be impressed.

Fireworks Festival facts

The colourful fireworks displays are held in various localities, including the already magnificent Grand Harbour between Valletta and the Three Cities. In the 2019 edition, these will also be seen in the skies of the village of Mqabba, Xaghra in Gozo and The Granaries of Floriana.

The 18th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will be held in Mqabba on the 24th April, in Xaghra Gozo on 27th April and in Valletta Grand Harbour on 30th of April 2019. The closing night is one filled with awe and wonder. Guaranteed.

On the 4th of May 2019, there will also be the Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival in collaboration with the Floriana Local Council.

Seating and transport are available and you can also participate in a photo contest. Visit the Malta International Fireworks Festival website for more information.