What is the Festa?
The festa is a Maltese tradition, and it is the biggest event of the year in every Maltese village. At heart it is a religious festival, held to honour the patron saint of each village.
It first appeared in the 16th century, when it was an occasion to give bread and coins to those in need.
In the 18th century, the Order of St John of Jerusalem spent part of its wealth on decorating the streets, lighting up the churches, dressing the naves and setting off fireworks.
Getting ready for the festivities takes a lot of work well in advance. The members of the organising committee have to raise the funds to buy the firecrackers and rockets.
Then comes the decorating of the village with lights and banners. The locals love this part, putting up displays around their houses, and some even setting out a statue of the patron saint. The church bells ring far more often than usual during this week. Most festas run for two days, though some last a whole week. A friendly rivalry grows between the villages, each one keen to put on the most beautiful festa.
On the day itself, mass is said in the morning. The main statue of the patron saint is carried out of the church on the shoulders of the bearers and makes its way through the streets. Behind it come the clergy, the local band and the crowd, and as they pass, confetti is thrown from the balconies and by the people watching.
Food stalls are set up for the occasion, where you can try local specialities while the local bands play traditional Maltese music in the streets.
At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will hear the fireworks and watch the sky fill with colour.