In this post, I will discuss what it is like to experience Christmas in Malta. The people of Malta are primarily Roman Catholic, therefore the holiday is widely celebrated on the islands and very important to the culture. Similar to cities in Italy, the islands are streamed with Christmas lights and decorated for the holiday. There is Christmas caroling, church festivities celebrating religious events leading up to the birth of Jesus, and extravagant displays. In addition, Christmas markets have become increasingly popular during December. Malta Artisan Markets, launched in 2011, puts together one of the largest Christmas-themes venues of all the market groups who offer seasonal products from local craftspeople, small business-owners, producers. Two of the most well-known Christmas displays are located in The Pjazza Tigne Market in Sliema and Mellieħ's Popeye Village, which are both converted into beautiful winter wonderlands for the holiday. Popeye Village is a center for celebrating many Maltese holidays but is particularly known for its annual pantomime comedy at the Manoel Theater during Christmas time.
The many churches of Malta also play a critical role in celebrating Christmas in Malta. On Christmas Eve, most families choose to attend the Midnight Mass Service. Families often attend the Christmas markets and festivities together, then head over to church. Immediately following the midnight mass, it is also a tradition to enjoy an early Christmas breakfast together. The churches are decorated to honor the nativity story and strung with Christmas lights. Elaborate nativity cribs, called il-Presepju in Maltese, are featured at the church and a figure of baby Jesus is displayed at the altar during midnight mass. One of the largest ceremonies is held at St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Christmas Day is a much more intimate event where families come together to enjoy a large Christmas lunch. Traditionally, Christmas lunch consisted of a casserole containing potatoes, vegetables, and a chicken. More recently, modern families have transitioned to consuming a roast, followed by many desserts. These desserts include a hot chestnut and cocoa soup [Imbuljuta tal-Qastan],date-filled pastries [imqaret], bread pudding, and Italian sweet loaf bread [panettone].
Sources:
https://www.visitmalta.com/en/christmas
https://www.maltauncovered.com/culture/christmas-new-year-malta/
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