Looking for a traditional Gozo festa without the intensity of the island’s largest celebrations? The Sannat Festa 2026 takes place on Sunday, 26 July 2026, bringing colourful decorations, brass band marches, religious traditions and fireworks to this peaceful village. Centred on St Margaret Parish Church, the feast is especially known for the dramatic Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ, when the statue of St Margaret emerges from the church amid music, bells and pyrotechnics.
Sannat Festa 2026 at a Glance
| 📍 Location | Ta’ Sannat, Gozo, Malta |
| ⛪ Celebration | Feast of St Margaret the Virgin and Martyr |
| 📅 Main Feast Day | Sunday, 26 July 2026 |
| 🏛 Main Venue | St Margaret Parish Church, Triq Sannat |
| ✨ Main Highlight | Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ of the titular statue |
| 🕖 Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ | 7:00 pm–8:15 pm |
| 🎺 Known For | Marċ Brijuż, village bands and a relaxed local atmosphere |
| 🎆 Fireworks | Daytime pyrotechnics and evening fireworks |
| 🎟 Admission | Free |
| ⭐ Best Time to Visit | From around 6:00 pm until late evening |
The official feast date is 26 July 2026, and the celebration is listed as free to attend. The main event location is St Margaret Parish Church in Ta’ Sannat.
Why Visit the Sannat Festa?
The Sannat Festa offers a more village-focused experience than the large celebrations held in Victoria or Nadur. The compact centre, traditional limestone streets and strong community atmosphere make it easier to explore without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
The celebrations remain lively, with brass bands, banners, religious ceremonies and fireworks, but Sannat generally feels more intimate and relaxed. It is a good choice for families, couples and visitors attending their first Gozo village feast.
St Margaret Parish Church forms the heart of the event. The church has remained dedicated to St Margaret throughout its history and contains several important artistic and religious features, including an altarpiece attributed to Stefano Erardi.
Sannat Festa Programme 2026
The full parish programme includes religious services and community events in the days leading up to the main feast. External celebrations become particularly lively from Thursday, 23 July, with band marches, street decorations and fireworks building towards Sunday.
| Time or Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 23–25 July | Pre-feast celebrations, Marċ Brijuż band marches, church services and fireworks |
| 26 July | Main Feast Day of St Margaret in Ta’ Sannat |
| From 6:00 pm | Visitors gather around the parish church and decorated village square |
| 7:00–8:15 pm | Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ and ceremonial emergence of the statue from the church |
| Evening | Religious procession, brass band music and street celebrations |
| Late evening | Fireworks and final festa celebrations |
The officially promoted Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ 2026 runs from 7:00 pm until 8:15 pm on 26 July at the parish church. Programme details can still change, so visitors should check the parish or official event listing shortly before attending.
Festa Highlights
⛪ St Margaret Parish Church
The historic parish church forms the spiritual and visual centre of the Sannat Festa, surrounded by lights, flags and traditional street decorations.
✨ Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ
Watch the statue of St Margaret emerge from the church amid bells, music and synchronised pyrotechnics—one of the most dramatic moments of the feast.
🎺 Marċ Brijuż
Traditional brass bands move through the village while supporters follow with flags, music and a lively but welcoming festa atmosphere.
🎆 Fireworks
Daytime petards and evening fireworks illuminate the square and surrounding village during the final days of the celebrations.
What Is the Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ?
The Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ is the ceremonial moment when the titular statue is carried out of the parish church to begin its public appearance and procession.
In Sannat, the event is accompanied by church bells, brass band music, applause and a carefully coordinated pyrotechnic display. The square quickly fills with residents and visitors waiting to see the statue of St Margaret appear at the church entrance.
Because this is one of the busiest moments of the feast, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early if you want a clear view.
Marċ Brijuż and Village Celebrations
The lively Marċ Brijuż band marches bring a contrasting energy to the religious programme. Brass bands perform traditional Maltese festa music while supporters wave flags and follow the musicians through Sannat’s decorated streets.
Unlike formal concerts, the marches move through the village and invite visitors to become part of the atmosphere. The celebrations are energetic but retain the local character for which Sannat is known.
Visitor Tips for Sannat Festa 2026
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive by 6:00 pm | Gives you time to find parking and secure a place before the Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ |
| Explore on foot | The church, square and main festa streets are close together |
| Wear comfortable shoes | Some village roads and limestone pavements are uneven |
| Bring ear protection | Traditional petards can be extremely loud, especially for young children |
| Stay after the procession | The evening fireworks and band celebrations continue later into the night |
Getting to Sannat
Sannat lies southeast of Victoria and is reachable by car, taxi or public bus. Visitors travelling from Malta must first cross to Gozo using the ferry before continuing towards Sannat.
Road restrictions are common near the village centre during festa evenings. Parking on the outskirts and walking to the parish square is usually easier than trying to drive directly to the church.
Nearby Places to Visit
🌊 Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs
Visit one of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal viewpoints before heading into the village for the evening celebrations.
🏙 Victoria
Explore the Citadel, shops and cafés in Gozo’s capital, located only a short drive from Sannat.
🏖 Xlendi Bay
Enjoy a swim, coastal walk or early dinner beside the sea before travelling to the festa.
🏛 Xewkija Rotunda
Combine the feast with a visit to one of Gozo’s most impressive churches and its enormous landmark dome.
Why the Sannat Festa Is Special
The Sannat Festa 2026 offers all the defining elements of a traditional Gozitan feast—religion, community, brass bands, decorations and fireworks—but within a quieter village setting.
Its main attraction is the spectacular Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ, yet the strongest reason to visit is the overall atmosphere. Sannat feels local, welcoming and manageable, making it especially suitable for visitors who want to experience genuine festa culture without the scale of Gozo’s busiest celebrations.
For travellers searching for Gozo events in July 2026, the Feast of St Margaret is an excellent way to combine village traditions with an evening of music, food and fireworks.
Sannat Festa 2026 – FAQs
When is the Sannat Festa 2026?
The Sannat Festa 2026 takes place on Sunday, 26 July 2026, in Ta’ Sannat, Gozo. The annual village feast honours St Margaret the Virgin and Martyr and includes religious ceremonies, brass band marches, a procession and fireworks.
Where is the Feast of St Margaret held in Gozo?
The Feast of St Margaret is centred on St Margaret Parish Church in Triq Sannat, Ta’ Sannat. Most external celebrations take place around the parish square and nearby decorated streets.
What time is the Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ in Sannat?
The Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ 2026 is scheduled from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm on Sunday, 26 July 2026. It features the ceremonial appearance of the statue of St Margaret, accompanied by music and pyrotechnics.
What is the Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ?
The Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ is the dramatic moment when the titular statue emerges from the parish church. In Sannat, the event is accompanied by bells, brass band music, applause and fireworks.
Is the Sannat Festa free to attend?
Yes. The Sannat Festa is free and open to residents, tourists and visitors of all ages. Food, drinks and restaurant purchases are paid for separately.
What can visitors expect at the Sannat Festa?
Visitors can expect colourful decorations, church ceremonies, the Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ, traditional Marċ Brijuż band marches, local food, fireworks and a relaxed village atmosphere.
When do the Sannat Festa fireworks take place?
Fireworks are generally held during the final evenings of the festa and around the Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ on the main feast day. The wider programme includes festive band marches and fireworks above the village.
Is the Sannat Festa suitable for families?
Yes. The Sannat Festa is suitable for families and is generally easier to navigate than some of Gozo’s largest festas. Parents should bring ear protection for children because fireworks and petards can be very loud.
How do I get to Sannat Festa from Victoria?
Sannat is a short drive from Victoria and can be reached by bus, taxi or car. Visitors should expect temporary road closures and limited parking near the parish square on feast day.
Why should I visit the Sannat Festa 2026?
The Sannat Festa combines authentic Gozo village traditions with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Its Kaxxa tal-Ħruġ, band marches and fireworks make it one of the most enjoyable traditional Gozo festas in July 2026.
