Malta holiday calendar
Public holidays in Malta 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Malta public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.
- Public holidays
- 14
- Regional dates
- 0
- Observances
- 1
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Malta
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Malta calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.
No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. December is the busiest month, with 3 listed dates.
Malta holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 15 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s DayMalta’s January 1 public holiday, beginning the civil year with family visits, waterfront walks and a quieter island rhythm. | Public holiday | — | |
| St Paul’s ShipwreckMalta’s February 10 public holiday honouring Saint Paul and the shipwreck tradition that is central to Maltese Christian identity. | Public holiday | — | |
| CarnivalA colourful cultural observance in the days before Lent, with parades, costumes, dance and satirical floats centred on Valletta and Nadur in Gozo. | Cultural observance | — | |
| St Joseph’s DayThe March 19 Maltese public holiday honouring Saint Joseph, with especially well-known celebrations in Rabat and surrounding communities. | Public holiday | — | |
| Freedom DayMalta’s March 31 national holiday commemorating the departure of British forces in 1979 and the end of military-base arrangements. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayA nationwide Maltese public holiday before Easter, marked by solemn processions, sacred music and dramatic community tableaux. | Public holiday | — | |
| Workers’ DayMalta’s May 1 paid public holiday, linking international workers’ rights with the island’s civic and spring calendar. | Public holiday | — | |
| Sette GiugnoMalta’s June 7 national holiday commemorating the 1919 riots that became a landmark in the struggle for self-government. | Public holiday | — | |
| L-ImnarjaMalta’s June 29 public holiday, widely known as L-Imnarja, combining the Catholic feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul with rural Maltese traditions. | Public holiday | — | |
| Assumption DayMalta’s August 15 paid public holiday, known locally as Santa Marija and marked by major village festas during the height of summer. | Public holiday | — | |
| Victory DayMalta’s September 8 national holiday, Victory Day, bringing together the Great Siege, World War II and the Marian feast of Our Lady of Victories. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayMalta’s September 21 national holiday commemorating independence from Britain in 1964. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Independence Day in Malta. | Public holiday | — | |
| Immaculate ConceptionThe December 8 Maltese public holiday honouring the Immaculate Conception of Mary and opening the final stretch of Advent. | Public holiday | — | |
| Republic DayMalta’s December 13 national holiday marking the 1974 constitutional change that made the country a republic. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayMalta’s December 25 paid public holiday, centred on church worship, family lunches, crib traditions and village decorations. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Malta holidays
Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.
- gov.mtPrimary calendar source