✨ Quick Summary
The Importance of Holidays in Malta
Malta enjoys one of the highest numbers of public holidays in the European Union, boasting a total of 14 days off. These days are deeply ingrained in both the religious (Catholic) fabric of the society and the nation's proud, often turbulent, political history.
In 2021, the Maltese government passed a highly popular amendment to employment law: If a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), workers legally get an extra day added to their annual leave entitlement. This ensures that employees never "lose" a public holiday just because of how the calendar falls.
The 5 National Holidays
While all 14 days are "public holidays" (meaning days off work), five are officially designated as National Holidays, marking the most crucial milestones in Malta's journey to sovereignty.
-
March 31: Freedom Day (Jum il-Ħelsien)
Commemorates the day in 1979 when the last British military forces left Malta, ending centuries of foreign military presence on the islands. It is celebrated with a traditional regatta (boat race) in the Grand Harbour.
-
June 7: Sette Giugno
Remembering the riots of June 7, 1919, when Maltese crowds protested against the British colonial government over the soaring price of bread. British troops fired into the crowd, killing four Maltese citizens. It is seen as the first step towards Maltese self-government.
-
September 8: Victory Day (Jum il-Vitorja)
A highly symbolic triple-anniversary. It marks the end of the Great Siege of 1565 (against the Ottoman Empire), the end of the French blockade in 1800, and the armistice of the Fascist Italian regime in 1943 during World War II.
-
September 21: Independence Day (Jum l-Indipendenza)
Celebrates the day in 1964 when Malta formally gained its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign state within the Commonwealth.
-
December 13: Republic Day (Jum ir-Repubblika)
Commemorates the day in 1974 when Malta revised its constitution, removing the British Monarch as the head of state and electing Sir Anthony Mamo as its first President, officially becoming a Republic.
Public and Religious Holidays
The remaining 9 holidays are a mix of internationally recognized days (like New Year's and Labour Day) and deeply important Catholic feast days.
- January 1: New Year's Day
- February 10: Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck (Commemorating St. Paul bringing Christianity to Malta in 60 AD).
- March 19: Feast of St. Joseph
- Friday before Easter: Good Friday (A somber day featuring elaborate, life-size statue processions in many villages).
- May 1: Worker's Day / Labour Day
- June 29: Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (Known locally as L-Imnarja, an ancient harvest and folklore festival).
- August 15: Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija) - The peak of the summer holidays.
- December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
Holiday Dates: 2026 & 2027
| Holiday | 2026 Date & Day | 2027 Date & Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1 (Thursday) | Jan 1 (Friday) |
| St. Paul's Shipwreck | Feb 10 (Tuesday) | Feb 10 (Wednesday) |
| St. Joseph | Mar 19 (Thursday) | Mar 19 (Friday) |
| Freedom Day | Mar 31 (Tuesday) | Mar 31 (Wednesday) |
| Good Friday (Variable) | Apr 3 (Friday) | Mar 26 (Friday) |
| Worker's Day | May 1 (Friday) | May 1 (Saturday)* |
| Sette Giugno | Jun 7 (Sunday)* | Jun 7 (Monday) |
| St. Peter & St. Paul (L-Imnarja) | Jun 29 (Monday) | Jun 29 (Tuesday) |
| Assumption (Santa Marija) | Aug 15 (Saturday)* | Aug 15 (Sunday)* |
| Victory Day | Sep 8 (Tuesday) | Sep 8 (Wednesday) |
| Independence Day | Sep 21 (Monday) | Sep 21 (Tuesday) |
| Immaculate Conception | Dec 8 (Tuesday) | Dec 8 (Wednesday) |
| Republic Day | Dec 13 (Sunday)* | Dec 13 (Monday) |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 (Friday) | Dec 25 (Saturday)* |
* Indicates the holiday falls on a weekend, granting full-time employees an extra day of leave added to their annual allowance.