Il-Milied in Malta
Il-Milied is a holiday in Malta.
When is Il-Milied in Malta
Il-Milied is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Malta.
About Il-Milied in Malta
Il-Milied is the Maltese word for Christmas, and it is one of the most important holidays in Malta. The holiday is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and religious observances.
In Malta, the Christmas season starts in early December with the decoration of homes, streets, and public places. People put up Christmas lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the island. Many towns and villages also organize Christmas markets, where locals and tourists can buy traditional crafts, food, and gifts.
Religious traditions play a significant role in the celebration of Il-Milied. Midnight Mass, known as “Il-Missa ta’ Nofsinhar,” is a central event for many Maltese families. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the Mass is attended by both the religious and non-religious. The service is often accompanied by carol singing and the performance of traditional Maltese Christmas hymns.
Another important tradition during Il-Milied is the re-enactment of the nativity scene, known as “Il-Priedka tat-Tifel.” Many towns and villages set up elaborate nativity scenes, often featuring life-sized figures, which depict the birth of Jesus. These scenes are visited by locals and tourists alike, and some even include live animals to add to the authenticity.
Food is an essential part of the Il-Milied celebrations in Malta. Traditional Maltese Christmas dishes include “Qaghaq tal-Ghasel” (honey rings), “Imbuljuta tal-Qastan” (chestnut soup), and “Qassatat” (savoury pastries filled with peas, cheese, or spinach). It is also common to prepare a variety of sweets and desserts, such as “Figolli” (almond-filled pastry figures) and “Kwarezimal” (a sweet and spicy biscuit).
On Christmas Day, families gather for a festive lunch, which usually includes roasted meat, vegetables, and various side dishes. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy each other’s company.
Overall, Il-Milied in Malta is a joyous and festive holiday that combines religious traditions with family gatherings, delicious food, and the spirit of giving. The celebrations create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a wonderful time to visit the island and experience the unique Maltese Christmas traditions.
History of Il-Milied in Malta
Il-Milied, also known as Christmas, is a significant holiday in Malta, celebrated by the majority of the population. The history of Il-Milied in Malta is deeply intertwined with the island’s religious and cultural heritage.
The origins of Christmas celebrations can be traced back to the early Christian period when Malta was under Roman rule. The spread of Christianity in Malta began during the 1st century AD, and by the 4th century, it had become the official religion of the Roman Empire. With the Christianization of the island, the celebration of Christmas became an integral part of the religious calendar.
During the medieval period, Christmas celebrations in Malta were centered around the religious aspects of the holiday. The midnight mass on Christmas Eve, known as the “Missa Tifel,” was a highly anticipated event. It was customary for families to attend this mass together, followed by a festive meal at home. The birth of Jesus was commemorated with nativity scenes, which were often displayed in churches and private homes.
In the 16th century, Malta came under the rule of the Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The Knights played a significant role in shaping the traditions surrounding Christmas in Malta. They introduced various customs and practices, including the decoration of churches with elaborate cribs and the singing of Christmas carols.
Over the centuries, the celebration of Il-Milied evolved, incorporating elements from both the religious and secular aspects of the holiday. The influence of British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries further contributed to the development of Christmas traditions in Malta. English customs, such as the exchange of gifts and the decoration of Christmas trees, became popular among the Maltese population.
Today, Il-Milied is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Malta. The festivities begin in early December, with the lighting of Christmas lights and decorations in towns and villages across the island. Many households also decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. The tradition of setting up nativity scenes remains an essential part of the celebrations, with intricate cribs displayed in churches, public squares, and private homes.
Religious observances continue to play a significant role during Il-Milied, with the midnight mass being a highlight of the celebrations. Families gather to attend this mass, followed by a festive meal, often featuring traditional Maltese dishes such as roasted pork, turkey, and seasonal sweets.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the commercial aspects of Christmas, with the exchange of gifts and the appearance of Santa Claus becoming more prominent. However, the religious significance of the holiday remains deeply rooted in the Maltese culture, and many people still prioritize attending church services and spending time with family during this festive season.
Overall, the history of Il-Milied in Malta reflects the island’s rich religious and cultural heritage, blending ancient traditions with influences from various periods of its history. It continues to be a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection for the Maltese people.
How is Il-Milied celebrated in Malta
Il-Milied, or Christmas, is celebrated in Malta with great enthusiasm and traditional customs. Here are some ways in which it is celebrated:
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Decorations: Maltese homes, streets, and churches are adorned with Christmas decorations, including lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees.
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Cribs: The nativity scene, or crib, holds great significance in Maltese Christmas traditions. Many households create their own cribs, often featuring traditional Maltese elements such as miniature replicas of local buildings and figures dressed in traditional clothing.
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Midnight Mass: Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a popular tradition in Malta. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the Mass is a joyful celebration with carol singing and the reenactment of the birth of Jesus.
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Christmas Eve Dinner: Families come together for a special dinner on Christmas Eve, often featuring traditional Maltese dishes such as roasted pork, turkey, and rabbit stew. Traditional sweets like Qaghaq tal-Ghasel (honey rings) and Imbuljuta (a hot chocolate and chestnut drink) are also enjoyed.
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Visiting Cribs: It is common for families to visit various cribs around the island during the Christmas season. Some cribs are set up in churches, while others are displayed in public places or private homes. The most famous crib in Malta is the one in the village of Ghajnsielem, which is life-sized and depicts biblical scenes.
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Giving Gifts: Like in many other countries, exchanging gifts is a common practice in Malta. Children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus or Father Christmas, who brings them gifts during the night.
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Boxing Day: The day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, is also celebrated in Malta. It is a public holiday, and many people spend the day visiting relatives, going for walks, or enjoying outdoor activities.
Overall, Il-Milied is a time of joy, togetherness, and religious reflection in Malta. The traditions and customs associated with Christmas are deeply rooted in Maltese culture and are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Dates
Il-Milied 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.
