Christmas Day in Malta
Christmas Day is a holiday in Malta.
When is Christmas Day in Malta
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Malta.
About Christmas Day in Malta
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Malta, celebrated on December 25th every year. It is a time of great joy and celebration for the Maltese people, who are predominantly Roman Catholic.
On Christmas Eve, many churches hold midnight Mass, known as “Misa ta’ Nofsinhar”, which is attended by families and friends. The Mass is usually followed by a festive meal, where traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit stew, roasted pork, and mince pies are served.
On Christmas Day, families gather together to exchange gifts and enjoy a special meal. Many people attend church services, and some may visit the nativity scenes that are set up in churches and public places throughout the island.
In Malta, Christmas Day is also a time for charity and giving. Many organizations and individuals donate food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need, especially to the elderly and the poor.
Overall, Christmas Day in Malta is a time for family, friends, and community, where the spirit of giving and kindness is celebrated.
History of Christmas Day in Malta
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Malta and is celebrated on December 25th every year. The holiday has a long history in Malta, dating back to the early days of Christianity on the island.
The origins of Christmas Day can be traced back to the arrival of the Christian faith in Malta in the 1st century AD. The first Christian communities were established on the island by the Apostle Paul, who is said to have been shipwrecked on the island during his travels.
Over time, Christmas Day became an important religious holiday in Malta, with the celebration of Mass and other religious ceremonies taking place in churches across the island. In addition to the religious observances, Christmas Day also became a time for families to come together and celebrate with food, music, and other festivities.
During the Middle Ages, Christmas Day was celebrated with great pomp and ceremony in Malta, with processions, feasts, and other public celebrations taking place in towns and villages across the island. In the 16th century, the Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta at the time, introduced new customs and traditions to the holiday, including the decoration of Christmas trees and the exchange of gifts.
Today, Christmas Day is still an important holiday in Malta, with many of the same traditions and customs still observed. The day is marked by church services, family gatherings, and festive meals, as well as the exchange of gifts and the decoration of homes and public spaces with lights, wreaths, and other festive decorations.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in Malta
Christmas Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in Malta. The celebrations begin on Christmas Eve, which is known as ‘Il-Vigilia’. The Maltese people attend midnight mass at their local church and sing traditional Christmas carols.
On Christmas Day, families gather together for a big feast. The traditional Maltese Christmas meal includes a variety of dishes, such as turkey, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and stuffing. For dessert, they have ‘Qaghaq tal-Ghasel’ which is a sweet pastry filled with honey and almonds.
In the afternoon, people go for a walk to visit friends and family, and exchange gifts. The streets are decorated with lights, and there are many Christmas markets and events taking place across the island.
Overall, Christmas Day is a time for family, food, and festivities in Malta.
Dates
Christmas Day will be celebrated in Malta on 2023-12-25, 2024-12-25, 2025-12-25, 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25 in the comming years.