Malta Public Holidays 2026: Complete Guide

Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026

Strategic leave planning can help you maximize your time off. Here are the best long weekend opportunities in 2026:

National Holidays Explained

Malta's five national holidays commemorate important events in the nation's history:

Freedom Day - 31 March

Jum il-Ħelsien commemorates the withdrawal of British military forces from Malta in 1979. This marked the end of foreign military presence on Maltese soil after centuries of foreign rule. The day is celebrated with ceremonies at the Freedom Day Monument in Birgu.

Sette Giugno - 7 June

Sette Giugno (Italian for "Seventh of June") remembers the 1919 uprising against British rule when four Maltese men were killed during riots over the cost of living. The event was a catalyst for Malta's journey toward self-governance. A monument in Valletta honors the fallen.

Victory Day - 8 September

Il-Vitorja celebrates three significant victories: the Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottoman Empire, the French surrender in 1800, and the end of the World War II siege in 1943 when Italy surrendered. It coincides with the religious feast of Our Lady of Victories.

Independence Day - 21 September

Jum l-Indipendenza marks Malta's independence from Britain in 1964. While Malta remained in the Commonwealth with the Queen as head of state, this day represented a major step toward full sovereignty. Celebrations include parades in Floriana.

Republic Day - 13 December

Jum ir-Repubblika commemorates Malta becoming a republic in 1974, replacing the Queen with a President as head of state. This completed Malta's transition to full self-governance. The day is marked by ceremonies at the Presidential Palace in Valletta.

Religious Feasts Explained

As a predominantly Catholic country, Malta celebrates seven religious public holidays:

Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck - 10 February

In-Nawfraġju ta' San Pawl commemorates the shipwreck of Saint Paul on Malta in 60 AD, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This event is credited with bringing Christianity to Malta. The celebration is centered in Valletta with a procession carrying the statue of St. Paul.

Feast of St. Joseph - 19 March

San Ġużepp honors Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. Traditional foods include "sfineġ" (fried dough) and "zeppoli" (cream puffs). Many villages hold processions and band marches.

Good Friday - 3 April

Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira is one of Malta's most impressive religious celebrations. Processions featuring life-sized statues depicting the Passion of Christ wind through streets in various towns. The most famous take place in Żejtun, Mosta, Qormi, and Valletta.

Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul (Mnarja) - 29 June

L-Imnarja is Malta's most traditional folk festival, combining religious devotion with rural festivities at Buskett Gardens. Traditional activities include horse and donkey races, folk singing ("għana"), and eating rabbit stew. The name comes from the Latin "luminaria" (lights).

Feast of the Assumption - 15 August

Santa Marija celebrates the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. This is one of Malta's biggest festas with celebrations across many villages. Towns like Mosta, Għaxaq, and Mqabba hold spectacular celebrations with fireworks, band marches, and street decorations.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - 8 December

Il-Kunċizzjoni celebrates the Catholic doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin. Celebrations include church services, processions, and traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Malta.

Christmas Day - 25 December

Il-Milied celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Maltese traditions include midnight mass, nativity scenes ("presepju"), and traditional foods like "imbuljuta" (chestnut drink) and "qaghaq tal-għasel" (honey rings).

Holidays Falling on Weekends in 2026

In 2026, three public holidays fall on weekends:

Important: Under Malta's National Holidays Act of 2005, when a public holiday falls on a weekend, employees receive an additional 8 hours of vacation leave. This means in 2026, full-time employees receive 24 extra hours (3 days) added to their annual leave entitlement.

Employment Rights on Public Holidays

Understanding your rights regarding public holidays is essential:

Paid Time Off

• All 14 public holidays are paid non-working days
• Employees receive their normal wage even when not working
• Part-time workers receive pro-rata entitlement

Working on Public Holidays

• If required to work, employees are entitled to double time pay (2x)
• Alternatively, time off in lieu may be granted
• Agreement must be made between employer and employee

Weekend Holiday Compensation

• Holidays on weekends add 8 hours to annual leave per holiday
• 2026 total: 216 hours (192 base + 24 for 3 weekend holidays)
• This rule applies to full-time employees (40 hours/week)