Malta and Gozo observe a mix of religious and national public holidays throughout the year. Some commemorate key moments in Maltese history, while others reflect the islands’ strong Catholic traditions.
For travellers, public holidays can influence ferry demand, accommodation availability and local events. Easter, Santa Marija and Christmas are particularly important periods, while national holidays often bring ceremonies, community gatherings and cultural activities.
This guide lists every official public holiday in Malta and Gozo for 2026, together with practical travel advice and local context.
Malta and Gozo Public Holiday Calendar 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
New Year’s Day
National public holiday celebrated across Malta and Gozo.
|
| 10 February 2026 | Tuesday |
Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck
Commemorates St Paul’s arrival in Malta and is one of the country’s religious public holidays.
|
| 19 March 2026 | Thursday |
Feast of St Joseph
Traditional Catholic feast day observed throughout Malta and Gozo.
|
| 31 March 2026 | Tuesday |
Freedom Day
Marks the withdrawal of British military forces from Malta in 1979.
|
| 3 April 2026 | Friday |
Good Friday
Observed with solemn religious processions in towns and villages across the islands.
|
| 1 May 2026 | Friday |
Workers’ Day
National holiday recognising workers and labour rights.
|
| 7 June 2026 | Sunday |
Sette Giugno
Commemorates the 1919 uprising that became a milestone in Malta’s political history.
|
| 29 June 2026 | Monday |
Feast of St Peter and St Paul
Known locally as L-Imnarja, combining religious traditions with rural celebrations.
|
| 15 August 2026 | Saturday |
Feast of the Assumption
One of the most important summer feast days, celebrated in several Maltese and Gozitan villages.
|
| 8 September 2026 | Tuesday |
Victory Day
Commemorates key historical victories and coincides with important religious celebrations.
|
| 21 September 2026 | Monday |
Independence Day
Marks Malta’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.
|
| 8 December 2026 | Tuesday |
Immaculate Conception
Religious public holiday celebrated during the Advent season.
|
| 13 December 2026 | Sunday |
Republic Day
Marks Malta becoming a republic in 1974.
|
| 25 December 2026 | Friday |
Christmas Day
Family celebrations, church services, and festive traditions across Malta and Gozo.
|
What Do Public Holidays Mean for Visitors?
Public holidays rarely disrupt travel across Malta and Gozo. Ferries continue operating, tourist attractions generally remain open and restaurants in popular areas usually welcome visitors as normal.
What changes is the atmosphere.
Many villages host religious celebrations, churches become focal points for community events and local families often gather for meals and festivities. During major holidays, accommodation demand may increase and ferry crossings can become busier than usual.
For most visitors, public holidays add cultural interest rather than inconvenience.
Easter and Good Friday in Malta and Gozo
Good Friday falls on 3 April 2026, making Easter in Gozo one of the most significant periods of the year.
Across Malta and Gozo, solemn processions move through village streets while churches display elaborate decorations. The atmosphere is very different from the summer season and offers visitors a deeper insight into local traditions.
In Gozo, villages such as Nadur, Victoria and Xagħra are particularly known for their Easter celebrations.
Many travellers consider Easter one of the most authentic times to experience the islands.
Santa Marija: Gozo’s Most Important Summer Holiday
The Feast of the Assumption on 15 August is one of the largest religious celebrations in Malta and Gozo.
Known locally as Santa Marija, the holiday combines church celebrations, village festivities and family gatherings. In Gozo, Victoria hosts one of the island’s most important festas, attracting visitors from across the Maltese Islands.
Because the holiday falls during peak summer, accommodation and ferry demand are often higher than normal.
Visitors planning a trip around mid August should book transport and accommodation well in advance.
National Holidays in Malta
Several public holidays commemorate defining moments in Maltese history.
Freedom Day – 31 March
Freedom Day marks the withdrawal of British military forces from Malta in 1979.
Sette Giugno – 7 June
This national holiday remembers events that took place in 1919 during Malta’s struggle for greater self government.
Independence Day – 21 September
Independence Day commemorates Malta’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.
Republic Day – 13 December
Republic Day marks Malta’s transition to a republic in 1974.
These holidays are often accompanied by official ceremonies, flag displays and commemorative events.
Do Shops Close on Public Holidays?
Some smaller family owned businesses may close, particularly outside tourist areas.
However, visitors will usually find:
- Restaurants open
- Supermarkets operating with reduced hours
- Tourist attractions welcoming visitors
- Gozo Channel ferries running as normal
- Public transport operating
Opening hours can vary depending on the holiday and location
Best Public Holidays for a Trip to Gozo
If you want to combine sightseeing with local culture, these periods are particularly rewarding:
| Holiday Period | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Easter |
Traditional Celebrations
Experience Good Friday processions, Easter Sunday celebrations, and village religious traditions across Gozo.
|
| Santa Marija |
Summer Festa Season
One of the liveliest periods of the year, with fireworks, band marches, and village feast celebrations.
|
| Independence Day |
Early Autumn Escape
Warm sea temperatures, pleasant weather, and local events make September particularly attractive.
|
| Christmas |
Festive Atmosphere
Enjoy Christmas lights, nativity displays, seasonal traditions, and a quieter tourism season.
|
Each period offers a different perspective on life in Gozo.
Public Holidays and Village Feasts
Public holidays are separate from village festas.
Gozo’s famous summer feast season runs from late spring until early autumn and includes celebrations in villages such as Nadur, Xagħra, Xewkija, Għarb and Sannat.
Many visitors combine public holiday weekends with village feast events to experience fireworks, processions and traditional celebrations.
For a full schedule, see our Gozo Feast Calendar 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in Malta in 2026?
Malta has fourteen official public and national holidays in 2026. These include religious celebrations such as Good Friday and Christmas Day as well as national commemorations including Independence Day, Republic Day and Freedom Day.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Malta?
No. Unlike some European countries, Easter Monday is not an official public holiday in Malta. Good Friday is recognised as the public holiday during the Easter period.
Does the Gozo ferry operate on public holidays?
Yes. Gozo Channel ferries continue operating during public holidays. Ferry crossings can be busier during long weekends and major celebrations, but services normally run according to schedule.
Are shops closed on public holidays in Gozo?
Many shops remain open, particularly in tourist areas. Some smaller businesses and local services may operate reduced hours or close for the day depending on the holiday.
Which public holiday is most important in Gozo?
Good Friday and the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August are among the most significant public holidays in Gozo. Both are closely connected to local traditions and community celebrations.
