Easter is one of the most important times of the year in Malta. It is not only celebrated inside churches. Across the islands, villages organize events in the streets, and entire communities take part in the traditions.
Malta’s Easter traditions at a glance
| Tradition | What it is |
|---|---|
| Good Friday | Solemn processions telling the story of Jesus |
| Maundy Thursday | The Seven Visits to seven churches |
| Easter Sunday | The Risen Christ statue carried, sometimes run uphill |
| Acts of devotion | Walking barefoot or carrying heavy crosses |
| Figolli | Traditional almond-filled Easter cakes |
| Where to see it | Mosta, Zebbug, Vittoriosa, and Xaghra on Gozo |
Good Friday and Easter Sunday explained
The events of Holy Week follow the story of Jesus.
Good Friday marks the day Jesus died on the cross. For that reason, the atmosphere feels quiet and serious. Church bells remain silent, and many people join slow processions through the streets.
In contrast, Easter Sunday celebrates the moment Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead. As a result, the mood turns joyful and festive. Church bells ring again, and people come together to celebrate.
The Good Friday processions
Across Malta, many towns organize large processions on Good Friday. These events tell the story of the final hours of Jesus.
Large statues display different scenes from the story. At the same time, local people dress as biblical characters and Roman soldiers. In many cases, hundreds of participants take part in a single procession.
Some of the most well-known processions take place in Mosta and Zebbug in Malta, and in the village of Xaghra on Gozo.
Acts of devotion
During these processions, some participants choose to walk barefoot or carry heavy crosses. Others wear chains around their ankles.
They do this as a personal act of faith or as a way to give thanks for something they believe God has helped them with.
The Seven Visits
On Maundy Thursday, many Maltese families visit seven different churches. In each location, they stop briefly to pray.
This tradition is known as the Seven Visits, and it remains one of the most recognized Easter customs in Malta.
The Risen Christ tradition
On Easter Sunday, a statue of the Risen Christ is carried through the streets. In some harbour towns, such as Vittoriosa, men run uphill while carrying the statue.
This moment represents the joy of the resurrection and the idea of life overcoming death. Because of that, it stands out as one of the most iconic Easter traditions in Malta.
Figolli
Easter in Malta also includes a traditional sweet called figolli. These are cakes filled with almond paste.
They come in shapes such as fish, hearts, or rabbits. In addition, they are often decorated with icing or a small chocolate egg. Many families give figolli to children during Easter.
Experience it yourself
If you are visiting Malta during Easter, you can join one of our Malta tours to explore local villages and experience Holy Week traditions up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Easter celebrated in Malta?
Easter in Malta is marked during Holy Week, ending with Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The exact dates change each year, but the celebrations usually fall in spring.
What are figolli?
Figolli are traditional Maltese Easter cakes filled with almond paste. They are shaped as fish, hearts or rabbits, and decorated with icing or a small chocolate egg.
Where can I see Good Friday processions in Malta?
Some of the best-known Good Friday processions take place in Mosta and Zebbug on Malta, and in Xaghra on Gozo, with many other towns holding their own.