Culture and Customs of Malta

Arts, Crafts, and Architecture

Arts

Crafts

Architecture

Museums

Customs and Traditions

Local Traditions

Etiquette

Dress and Behavior

Sensitive or Taboo Topics

Languages

English and Maltese are the country’s two official languages. Maltese has very ancient origins, with Arabic grammar and a mix of Arabic, English, and various Italian dialect words. Italian, as a former official language and due to Malta’s proximity to Italy, is still fairly widespread. French, however, is very rarely spoken.

Glossary

A few useful local words and phrases to know when traveling:

Festivals and Events

Major Events and Public Holidays

Malta has around fifteen public holidays each year:

January 1: New Year’s Day

February 10: Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck

March 19: Feast of St. Joseph

March 31: Freedom Day

March/April: Good Friday

May 1: Labor Day

June 7: Sette Giugno

June 29: Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul

August 15: Assumption Day

September 8: Feast of Our Lady of Victories

September 21: Independence Day

December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 13: Republic Day

December 25: Christmas Day