Malta’s #1 festa and its sit-and-watch spots.
Santa Marija is probably Malta’s number one festa. It’s celebrated in seven localities and marks an incredibly vital day in 1942, when a British convoy delivering supplies to the country successfully found its way into the harbour. 15th August is celebrated yearly, but the historical implications of a war-stricken Malta do not really cross the locals’ minds.
Santa Marija is a festa that marks the beginning of summer - the laying low of most Maltese companies who flock to Gozo for a few days of relaxation, or simply make the most of Malta’s ample beaches for some good old family-time and a couple of pub sessions to relive the good old days. Pride, esteem and absolute commitment flourish in the hosting villages though!
And the absolute highlight for the occasion? Fireworks. Balls of fire exploding high above, filling the sky with colour. So it's no surprise that watching the Santa Marija fireworks has become somewhat of a tradition for many families - here are the top spots to check them out.
Mdina
Mdina is the highest point in Malta; it would make sense that your view is unobstructed and absolutely clear from the old capital - and so it is. Spoilt for choice, take your pick from the outward facing restaurants in Mdina and watch the colours blend together as you sip at a glass of wine. Alternatively, you can also head to the Mdina Foss; walk all the way in and set up a little picnic area; it’s totally free and the view is just as spectacular.
Mosta (outskirts)
Driving towards Rabat or Mdina on Santa Marija night will present you with stacks upon stacks of cars parked by the side of the road, foldable chairs at the ready and a professional camera to capture the main event. You’ll have to think well ahead here - these guys plan their spots every year to make sure they get the best angle - make the most of the night; go along with the locals and sneak a few shots in.
Kercem hilltop
If you’re one of the plenty that thought Gozo was a great plan for your shutdown period - you’re going to have to find the perfect spot to watch the festivities fill the sky. Leave the safety of your rented farmhouse for a spot overlooking Kercem hilltop; the fireworks blast off right above this area and can be seen from miles away. Flanked between Fontana and Kercem; the Santa Marija fireworks are among the best.
Some local traditions will never die. The Maltese will always flock to the festa and wait for the fireworks to kick off before heading home, we will always head to Gozo, think we’re the only ones with the great idea and follow the masses upon the Gozo Ferry, and we will always queue up at the doughnut truck, even if we’ve had our dinner and can’t stomach anything else. It’s the festa - we have to live a little!