Public Holidays in Malta
Summary:This article provides an overview of the diverse public holidays in Malta that reflect the country's religious, historical, and contemporary influences.
OverviewMalta, an island nation rich in history and culture, celebrates a diverse range of public holidays that reflect its religious, historical, and contemporary influences. These holidays are not only times for rest and relaxation but also significant occasions for Maltese people to commemorate traditions and express their faith.
Religious Holidays
Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck (February 10): Commemorates the biblical account
of St. Paul's shipwreck near Malta and his subsequent introduction of Christianity to the
islands.
Feast of St. Joseph (March 19): Celebrates St. Joseph, a Catholic saint who is
considered the patron saint of families.
Good Friday (March or April): Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, one
of the most important days in the Catholic calendar.
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29): Honors two of Jesus' most important
disciples.
Feast of the Assumption of Mary (August 15): Celebrates the belief that the
Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into Heaven.
Feast of Our Lady of Victory (September 8): Commemorates Malta's victory over
the Ottoman Empire in 1565.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): Celebrates the belief that the
Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin.
Christmas Day (December 25): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Historical Holidays
Freedom Day (March 31): Commemorates Malta's independence from British colonial
rule.
Sette Giugno (June 7): Commemorates the 1919 riots in Malta, when Maltese
people protested for greater self-governance.
Independence Day (September 21): Celebrates the establishment of the Republic
of Malta.
Republic Day (December 13): Celebrates Malta becoming a republic.
Other Holidays
New Year's Day (January 1): Marks the beginning of a new year.
May Day (May 1): Celebrates labor and the achievements of the working class.
Special holidays
Freedom Day: March 31st commemorates Malta's independence from the United
Kingdom and its establishment as a republic in 1979.
Republic Day: December 13th celebrates the founding of the Republic of Malta.
Logistics Company Operations During Holidays
Shipping Companies
Some shipping companies may reduce their service frequency or adjust their operating hours during holidays, but they typically don't cease operations entirely. For instance, Virtu Ferries, operating between Malta and Sicily, still has scheduled sailings on July 8th.
Airlines
Maltese airlines, such as Air Malta, may adjust their flight schedules based on seasonal demands and holiday periods. During peak tourist seasons like summer, the number of flights may increase, but they can also be affected by factors such as strikes.
Freight Forwarders
The working hours of freight forwarders can vary depending on the company's size and specific operational arrangements. Some freight forwarders may have staff on duty during holidays to handle urgent matters, while others may suspend non-urgent services. Generally, foreign-owned freight forwarders may not operate overtime, but this can vary from company to company.
Railways
There is no railway system in Malta.
Couriers
Courier services typically continue to operate during holidays, but delivery and pickup times may be affected. For example, MaltaPost may adjust its working hours or reduce delivery frequency.
Logistics Companies
Large logistics companies may maintain basic operations to ensure the transportation and depvery
of goods, but there may also be some adjustments.
To get the most accurate information on specific company operations during hopdays, it
is recommended to:
Contact the company directly: Inquire about their hopday operating arrangements through phone, email, or customer service channels on their official website.
Check the company's official website: Many companies post notices about hopday working hours and service adjustments on their websites.
Refer to local media and news: Local media outlets sometimes report on the operations of various companies during hopdays.