The Nadur Festa 2026 celebrates Saint Peter and Saint Paul and is one of the largest and most anticipated village feasts in Gozo, Malta. Known locally as Mnarja Nadur, the celebration combines religious devotion, agricultural traditions, community events, band marches and some of the most spectacular fireworks displays on the island.
Held between 11 and 29 June 2026, the feast is centred around the Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Nadur and attracts visitors from across Malta and Gozo. While many people visit for the lively atmosphere and famous fireworks, the celebration remains deeply rooted in the traditions and identity of the village.
For travellers looking to experience an authentic Gozo festa at its most energetic, the Nadur Feast 2026 is one of the highlights of the summer calendar.
Quick Overview
Location: Nadur, Gozo
Dedication: Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Local Name: Mnarja
Main Feast Day: Monday, 29 June 2026
Celebration Period: 11–29 June 2026
Main Venue: Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Nadur
Highlights: Solemn procession, Pontifical Mass, agricultural exhibition, village celebrations, fireworks, band marches
Best Time to Visit: Sunday evening and feast day
What Is Mnarja Nadur?
The feast honours Saints Peter and Paul, two of Christianity’s most important apostles.
In Nadur, their feast has become one of the largest annual celebrations in Gozo. Throughout June, the village is transformed with banners, lights, decorations and festa ornaments while residents prepare for weeks of religious services, cultural events and community gatherings.
Known as Mnarja Nadur, the celebration combines faith with rural traditions that have shaped village life for generations. Unlike many other village feasts, Mnarja extends beyond the religious programme and includes agricultural exhibitions, artisan displays, folk music, traditional food and family events.
This unique combination of culture and religion makes Mnarja Gozo one of the island’s most distinctive celebrations.
The Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Nadur
At the centre of the feast stands the Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Nadur.
The basilica dominates the village skyline and serves as the focal point of the celebrations. Throughout the feast period, Masses, novenas and solemn liturgical services take place within the church before the celebrations move into the streets of Nadur.
The basilica also enjoys a special spiritual connection through its affiliation with the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican and the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. This gives the feast a significance that extends beyond the village itself.
Mnarja Traditions and Village Culture
One of the features that makes Nadur different from many other Gozo festas 2026 is its strong connection to agricultural traditions.
The annual Mnarja Agricultural and Artisan Exhibition takes place on 20 and 21 June and showcases local produce, traditional farming tools, artisan crafts and rural heritage. Visitors can explore displays of agricultural products, handicrafts and demonstrations that reflect centuries of village life in Gozo.
The celebrations also include:
- Traditional Maltese food and drink
- Folk music and dancing
- Horse exhibitions
- Children’s activities
- Community gatherings
- Cultural performances
For visitors, these events offer a glimpse into a side of Gozo that goes far beyond the typical tourist experience.
Nadur Festa 2026 Programme Highlights
Thursday, 18 June
The celebrations reach an important milestone with the traditional Ħruġ tal-Istatwa, when the statue of Saints Peter and Paul leaves its niche inside the basilica. The evening includes band participation and aerial fireworks.
Friday, 19 June
The novena begins with a special day dedicated to families. Evening celebrations include entertainment and activities for children in the village square.
Saturday, 20 June
The Mnarja Agricultural and Artisan Exhibition officially opens, highlighting local produce, crafts and village traditions.
Sunday, 21 June
The exhibition continues alongside horse displays, folk music and cultural activities that celebrate Nadur’s rural heritage.
Friday, 26 June
One of the most anticipated evenings of the feast includes a traditional march with artistic statues, followed by the synchronised fireworks spectacle “Mixegħla Ħamra u Safra”.
Saturday, 27 June
The traditional demonstration with the artistic statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul takes place through the village streets. The evening concludes with a surprise feature and synchronised fireworks show.
Sunday, 28 June – Feast Eve
Feast eve is traditionally one of the busiest evenings of the entire celebration.
The evening includes Pontifical celebrations, band performances, village festivities and one of the largest fireworks displays of the feast. The aerial fireworks spectacle known as “The Rising Sun” lights up the Nadur skyline before the celebrations continue late into the night.
Monday, 29 June – Feast Day
The main feast day begins early with Masses celebrated throughout the morning.
At 9:00am, Bishop Anton Teuma leads the Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
At 6:30pm, Solemn Vespers take place inside the basilica.
At 7:45pm, the statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul leave the basilica and begin the traditional procession through the decorated streets of Nadur. Accompanied by clergy, parish groups and the Mnarja Band, the procession remains the defining moment of the entire celebration.
Nadur Fireworks 2026
Nadur has built a reputation as one of the leading fireworks villages in Gozo.
Visitors searching for Nadur Fireworks 2026 can expect a series of aerial displays, ground fireworks, synchronised pyrotechnic shows and traditional festa fireworks throughout the final weekend. The largest displays take place during feast eve and on the feast day itself.
The combination of large crowds, dramatic fireworks and the backdrop of the illuminated basilica creates one of the most memorable festa atmospheres on the island.
Visitor Tips
Visit on Feast Eve
Sunday evening offers the best combination of fireworks, band marches and village atmosphere.
Arrive Early
Nadur attracts some of the largest crowds of any Gozo festa. Arriving before sunset allows time to explore the village and find a good viewing position.
Explore the Exhibition
If you visit during the weekend before the feast, make time for the agricultural and artisan exhibition. It provides a unique insight into traditional Gozitan culture.
Bring Your Camera
The illuminated basilica, decorated streets and fireworks displays provide excellent photography opportunities throughout the final weekend.
Explore More of Nadur
The village is also close to San Blas Bay, Dahlet Qorrot and Ta’ Kenuna Tower, making it easy to combine the festa with a day exploring eastern Gozo.
Why Visit the Nadur Festa?
The Nadur Festa offers one of the most complete village feast experiences in Gozo.
The combination of the Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the traditions of Mnarja Nadur, agricultural heritage, strong community participation and spectacular fireworks creates an atmosphere unlike any other celebration on the island.
For travellers researching Mnarja Gozo or looking for one of the biggest events in the Gozo Festas June 2026 calendar, Nadur is one of the best villages to visit.
New to Gozo?
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, our complete island guide covers the best beaches, villages, scenic walks, cultural events and travel essentials to help you make the most of your time on Gozo.
Explore Gozo MaltaFAQ
When is the Nadur Festa 2026?
The main feast day takes place on Monday, 29 June 2026. Celebrations begin on 11 June and continue throughout the month with religious services, exhibitions and community events.
What is Mnarja Nadur?
Mnarja Nadur is the traditional feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul celebrated in Nadur, Gozo. It combines religious celebrations, agricultural traditions, cultural events, music and fireworks.
What time does the Nadur procession start?
The procession with the statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul begins at 7:45pm on Monday, 29 June 2026, departing from the Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Is Nadur known for fireworks?
Yes. Nadur is one of the best-known villages in Gozo for fireworks displays and large-scale festa celebrations, particularly during Mnarja.
Where is Nadur?
Nadur is located in eastern Gozo and is one of the island’s largest villages. It is known for its basilica, viewpoints, Carnival celebrations and traditional festas.
