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Easter Sunday Celebrations

Good Friday
Good Friday is a very important day for a large percentage of the population of Malta. It is the day when the death of Christ is commemorated. Several villages hold long processions consisting of statues, villagers dressed up as Roman citizens and Roman soldiers and bands following the statues. Each life size statue is carried by 6 or 8 men from the village. Each statue represents one of the 14 stations known as the Way of the Cross. For example, one station is when Jesus Christ meets Veronica who wipes Jesus’s face. The veil she uses is miraculously left with an imprint of Jesus’s face. The final statue is of Jesus nailed to the cross as he finally reaches the top of mount calvary carrying the very cross he is eventually nailed to.

Good Friday processions in Malta are a deeply rooted tradition that date back to medieval times. These solemn events are held in various towns and villages across the islands, each with its unique customs and practices. The atmosphere is one of reverence and reflection, drawing both locals and tourists who wish to experience this poignant aspect of Maltese culture.

The villages holding processions are the following:
Valletta – 18:00
The 3 cities Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea - 17:30
Rabat – 18:00
Zejtun – 17:00
Mosta, Luqa, Naxxar, Paola, Qormi, Zebbug – 17:30

Easter Sunday is a vibrant celebration in Malta, particularly in the cities of Birgu and Bormla, where the streets come alive with festive activities. The day is marked by a joyful atmosphere as families gather to attend church services and participate in traditional feasts. The highlight of the day is the procession of the Risen Christ, a moving spectacle that draws large crowds. This event is not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration, showcasing the rich heritage and community spirit of the Maltese people.

FIGOLLI
Figolli are a sweet pastry filled with a generous amount of ground almond filling. Traditionally, figolli were made in shapes that have a link to Catholicism, such as the shape of a fish, which is a symbol of Christ, or of a heart. Today the shapes can be of anything – butterflies, rabbits, stars etc. The topping is either made of icing sugar or chocolate with an Easter egg in the middle.
The figolla possibly originated in Sicily. The word figolla comes from ‘figura’ meaning shape. Traditionally figolli were eaten on Easter Sunday at the end of Lent. Lent is a time of fasting for 40 days from the end of Carnival till Easter Sunday. Nowadays people fast less and find it hard to resist figolli during Lent. Figolli are a much loved treat among Maltese families, symbolizing the joy and celebration of the Easter holidays.

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Sliema & St Julians

St Julians has 2 bays – Spinola bay was and still is the fishing bay of St Julians. Although Spinola bay is dotted with cafes, some bars and many restaurants, you can still find the fishermen mending their nets or preparing their luzzus to go out to sea. Balluta bay is about 10 minutes on foot from Spinola bay. It is also a picturesque bay with a small sandy beach, a church and a lovely square with trees and cafes. There are also several restaurants around Balluta bay. Giljana accommodation is 5 minutes on foot from the heart of Balluta bay. Along Balluta bay to Sliema is a lovely wide promenade. Along the promenade is a small outside gym, a small cat village in Independence gardens and small pools dug out of the rocky beach of Sliema. Our Sliema accommodation is across the road from these pools. The area also has plenty of cafes to choose from. Back towards St Julians from Sliema along the promenade, past Balluta bay and past Spinola bay is Paceville. Unlike what many tourists are made to believe Paceville is not St Julians. St Julians and Paceville are 2 separate towns that are very different from each other. Paceville is where the nightlife of Malta is. The bars and nightclubs in this area are buzzing all night long. There is also a sandy beach called St George’s bay which is very popular with young students who come to Malta to learn English. Accommodation in Paceville is not advisable, if you want to get a good night sleep.