Mother’s Day will soon be upon us and there’s nowhere quite like Malta to celebrate and appreciate your mum. Steeped in tradition, the celebration of mother’s day in Malta is a heartfelt affair that highlights the deep bonds of family, love, and appreciation. Join us on a journey into the customs, festivities, and why treating your mum to a stay at The Phoenicia Malta is the perfect way to express your gratitude.

Maltese Traditions

Mother’s Day in Malta is not just a day to express love for mothers but an occasion to honour all motherly figures. Celebrated on the second Sunday of May, the day typically begins with a heartfelt breakfast prepared by the family. Many families attend special church services dedicated to mothers, offering prayers and blessings for their well-being.

A popular Maltese Mother’s Day tradition is the giving of flowers, often presented with a card expressing love and gratitude. Bouquets of vibrant blooms can be seen adorning tables in restaurants, family homes, and even public spaces, symbolising the beauty and resilience of mothers.

Family Celebrations and Culinary Delights

Maltese families take Mother’s Day as an opportunity to come together and celebrate the matriarchs of their households. Traditional Sunday lunches are transformed into grand feasts, with families gathering to enjoy a delicious meal prepared with love and care.

Honouring Motherhood with Gifts and Gestures

Beyond flowers and culinary delights, the people of Malta often express their appreciation for mothers through thoughtful gifts and gestures. Many choose to pamper their mothers with spa days, personalised gifts, or even a simple handwritten note expressing gratitude and love.

Maltese children often create handmade crafts at school to gift their mothers, reflecting the importance of personal and heartfelt gestures during this special day. The act of spending quality time together is considered one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Malta.

Treat Your Mum to a Stay at The Phoenicia Malta

For an extraordinary Mother’s Day experience, consider treating your mum to a stay at The Phoenicia Malta. With its elegant ambiance, breath taking views of the Grand Harbour, and impeccable service, The Phoenicia Malta offers an ideal setting to create lasting memories for mum.

Imagine waking up to a sumptuous breakfast served on a terrace overlooking the historic city walls and lush gardens or indulging in a relaxing spa day to unwind and rejuvenate. The Phoenicia Malta provides an oasis of tranquillity where your mum can be pampered and appreciated, making her feel truly cherished on this special day.

Contessa, our newly renovated restaurant, is the perfect destination to treat mum to a delectable Mother’s Day meal. Our conservatory boasts a chic ambiance under the stars, allowing guests to enjoy a modern and relaxing dining experience.

Phoenicia Spa & Wellness also makes for a wonderful treat, whether just for your mum or both of you. With an array treatments and services available, our luscious spa will surely make it a visit to remember! 

Easter in Malta is not just a religious holiday; it’s a vibrant tapestry interwoven with history, culture, and a profound sense of community. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, this small island nation comes alive during Easter, offering visitors a unique and enriching experience unlike any other. From solemn religious events to colourful traditions, here’s a glimpse into how Easter in Malta is celebrated and why it’s a must-visit destination during this time of year.

A Historical Journey

To truly understand Easter in Malta, one must delve into its rich history. With a legacy stretching back thousands of years, Malta has been shaped by a multitude of visitors who have tried or succeeded in conquering the island, lending to Malta’s rich and diverse culture. The celebration of Easter is deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage, which dates back to the time of St. Paul, who is said to have brought Christianity to Malta in AD 60 after he was shipwrecked on St. Pauls Island to the north of Malta.

The Maltese Easter Experience

Easter in Malta is a week-long affair, beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in the joyous celebrations of Easter Sunday. Throughout the week, churches across the island hold solemn processions, re-enactments of the Passion of Christ, and elaborate religious services.

One tradition takes place on Maundy Thursday, where families visit seven churches of their choice to pay tribute to the Alters of Repose. The cafes and streets come alive amongst the hustle and bustle of worshippers moving between different churches.

On Good Friday, various towns and villages take part in stunning religious processions where statues depicting scenes from the Passion are paraded through the streets, accompanied by mournful hymns and prayers. These processions, characterised by their solemnity and reverence, offer a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ.

Many of the Maltese abstain from eating meat or sweets on Good Friday as a mark of respect for the death of Christ.

But Easter in Malta is not just about solemnity; it’s also a time for celebration. On Easter Sunday, families gather for a festive meal, featuring traditional Maltese dishes such as roast lamb, figolli (almond-filled pastries), and kwareżimal (a sweet Lenten pastry). Homes and churches are adorned with colourful decorations, and the air is filled with the sound of church bells and cheerful greetings of “l-Għid it-Tajjeb”.

Cultural Traditions and Customs

Beyond its religious significance, Easter in Malta is also marked by a variety of cultural traditions and customs. One such tradition is the Ħanżir ta’ l-Isem, or the blessing of the lambs, where farmers bring their lambs to be blessed by the parish priest. This age-old custom symbolizes renewal and fertility, echoing the themes of rebirth central to the Easter story.

Another beloved tradition is the making and giving of figolli, sweet almond-filled pastries shaped like Easter eggs, bunnies, and other symbols of the season. Families come together to bake and decorate these delicious treats, or one will find delicious pre-made figolli in supermarkets and bakeries.

Why You Should Visit Malta During Easter

For tourists, Easter in Malta offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s rich culture and traditions. From witnessing the solemn processions to indulging in delicious Easter treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Moreover, Easter in Malta provides a glimpse into the deep sense of community and faith that defines Maltese culture. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Valletta, attending a church service in a quaint village church, or simply soaking in the breath taking views of the Mediterranean, Easter in Malta is a truly unforgettable experience.

With The Phoenicia Malta situated just a few steps away from Valletta’s City Gate, a stay at our iconic hotel would be one of the best places to be during Easter in Malta. With our luxury spa, various dining options, luscious gardens, and links all over the island via the nearby bus terminus, you are sure to experience complete luxury, relaxation, and convenience.