Easter in Malta 2026 offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the island during one of its most meaningful cultural periods. Streets become quieter yet more purposeful, churches remain open late into the evening, and local traditions appear in towns and villages across the islands.

For travellers, the season reveals a different side of Malta. Instead of summer crowds, visitors encounter processions, family gatherings, and bakeries filled with seasonal sweets. Combined with mild spring weather, Easter allows guests to explore Malta at a relaxed pace while witnessing traditions that have remained unchanged for generations.

Key Dates for Easter in Malta 2026

Holy Week begins in late March and reaches its peak during the first days of April. Each day carries its own significance and observances.

Important dates include:

• Our Lady of Sorrows (Id-Duluri) – 27 March 2026
  Emotional processions honour the Virgin Mary in several Maltese towns.

• Palm Sunday (Ħadd il-Palm) – 29 March 2026
  Churches bless palm and olive branches, marking the beginning of Holy Week.

• Maundy Thursday (Ħamis ix-Xirka) – 2 April 2026
  Parish churches remain open for evening visits and prayer.

• Good Friday (Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira) – 3 April 2026
  Large processions move slowly through towns across Malta and Gozo.

• Holy Saturday (Sibt il-Għid) – 4 April 2026
  A quiet day of preparation before evening vigil services.

• Easter Sunday (Ħadd il-Għid) – 5 April 2026
  Joyful celebrations of the Resurrection across the islands.

Holy Week Traditions Across Malta

Holy Week follows the period of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, churches are decorated with purple cloth and services focus on reflection and prayer.

One of the most visible traditions before Good Friday is the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows, where statues representing the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets.

On Maundy Thursday, each parish church prepares an Altar of Repose. After Mass, the consecrated host is placed on the altar for adoration until Good Friday afternoon.

That evening many locals take part in the tradition known as “seba’ viżti”, or seven visits. Participants move between seven churches, pausing briefly for prayer at each altar.

Throughout the evening, parish halls and community spaces often display Passion exhibitions and artistic representations of the Last Supper.

Good Friday Processions: Malta’s Most Powerful Tradition

Good Friday is the most solemn day of Holy Week. In towns throughout Malta and Gozo, statues representing scenes from the Passion of Christ are carried through the streets.

These processions often include:

• Participants dressed as Roman soldiers or biblical figures

• Devotees walking barefoot as acts of faith

• Brass bands performing slow funeral marches

• Large crowds observing the procession quietly

Several towns are known for their distinctive traditions. Żebbuġ and Mosta host large processions in Malta, while Birgu holds one of the island’s oldest Good Friday processions dating back to the early seventeenth century. In Gozo, Victoria, Xagħra, and Nadur also draw large gatherings.

Easter Sunday Celebrations and the Risen Christ

The atmosphere changes completely on Easter Sunday. Church bells ring across Malta, and statues of the Risen Christ appear in joyful street processions.

Bands play lively marches and crowds gather in town squares. In Birgu, one of the island’s most famous Easter traditions takes place. Bearers run uphill with the statue of the Risen Christ while crowds cheer and celebrate.

After morning Mass, most Maltese families return home to host extended family for a festive lunch.

Traditional Easter Sweets in Malta

Food plays an important role during Easter. Weeks before Easter Sunday, bakeries begin displaying traditional sweets linked to the season.

Common treats include:

• Figolli – almond-filled pastries shaped like animals or hearts and topped with icing

• Kwareżimal – a spiced almond biscuit traditionally eaten during Lent

• Qagħaq tal-Appostli – sesame-covered bread rings associated with Holy Week

• Karamelli tal-Ħarrub – traditional carob sweets eaten on Good Friday

These seasonal foods appear in bakeries and shops across the island during the weeks leading up to Easter.

Exploring Malta During Easter

Spring offers comfortable weather for exploring Malta beyond the processions. Daytime temperatures remain mild, making it ideal for walking and sightseeing.

Visitors often enjoy exploring Dingli Cliffs, where coastal paths offer wide sea views. Inland areas such as Buskett Gardens appear greener during spring.

Coastal areas also feel calmer during Easter. Beaches like Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay are quieter before the summer season begins.

For official guidance on events and cultural traditions during the season, visitors often consult information from Visit Malta.

Where to Stay During Easter in Malta

Choosing a central base makes exploring Malta during Easter easier. Staying in Sliema allows visitors to reach Valletta and other historic towns while remaining close to the sea.

Guests staying at Novotel Malta Sliema can explore the island comfortably and return to a quieter waterfront setting after a day of events.

Accommodation options can be viewed through the hotel’s room and suite selection, while seasonal packages appear on the official offers page. Visitors can also learn more about the surrounding area through the hotel’s central seafront location and explore local insights in the news and blog section.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Easter in Malta in 2026

Easter Sunday in Malta falls on 5 April 2026. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on 29 March and includes several religious observances leading up to Easter Sunday.

Are Good Friday processions open to visitors

Yes. Visitors are welcome to observe the processions respectfully. Many towns host their own events, each with slightly different traditions.

Is Easter a good time to visit Malta

Spring weather, cultural events, and fewer summer crowds make Easter a pleasant time to explore Malta.

What foods are traditionally eaten at Easter in Malta

Figolli, kwareżimal biscuits, sesame bread rings, and carob sweets are common traditional foods during the Easter period.