The sombre mood through Holy Week in the run-up to Easter is lifted and everyone can finally relax, let loose and celebrate Easter Sunday! How to go about it? Well, this is the traditional Maltese way.

1. Join the street celebrations and watch the Risen Christ run 

Easter Sunday processions take place all over the Maltese Islands, but some particularly good ones to visit are those at of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Qormi and Mosta. Head there by mid-morning to catch the grand religious festivities on Easter Sunday.

Devotees carry the Risen Christ through the streets, and a large congregation gathers to celebrate and be merry to the festive tunes played by a brass band. The highlight is at the end of the procession, when the statue-bearers make a run back to the church, raising the statue in triumph! This comes with not just a little excitement, especially when the statue might make a precarious wobble!

2. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch

Easter Sunday is celebrated with a special lunch. Traditionally, the meal will consist of roast lamb, however, if you feel that this baby is too cute to be eaten, that's understandable and anything else will do. Most people share a meal with their beloved at home, but restaurants are also full to the brim so if that's your plan, book early. In any case, indulgence is due, no matter whether you've been observing forty days of fasting or not. Allowing time for a siesta to let the food coma pass is recommended for afterwards.

3. Offer gifts to your nearest and dearest

Bringing small gifts to relatives and friends is also on the agenda on Easter Sunday. Just in time for tea, typically the gifts will include a variety of Easter sweets, such as figolli and chocolate eggs. Some local families might offer each other more extragavent gifts, much like at Christmas - why do it once if you can do it twice?

4. All you can eat Easter treats

It's not just the children who can't get their hands off the Easter treats! You know you can't wait to dig into nanna's homemade figolla (you've been eyeing it for days!) and you have amassed enough chocolate eggs to last ... well, maybe a few days. Many of the traditional Easter sweets, like figolli, have a delicious almond base, however, a good dose of chocolate is a must. Don't feel guilty about it because everybody's doing it!

5. Walk it off and get some fresh air

Bellies full after much feasting and hearts full of familial warmth call for a nature walk, especially since spring weather in Malta tends towards glorious warm sunshine. It's the perfect way to relax and enjoy the rest of the day in good company. And you never know... you might even meet a good shepherd on the way!

Happy Easter to All!