If there’s one thing Malta does better than anyone else, it’s turning the night into a show of light and color. Fireworks here aren’t just a pretty way to end a party — they’re part of the island’s soul. In Malta, fireworks are lived, felt, and celebrated as a true form of art.
From April to September, the Maltese sky lights up with colorful explosions almost every weekend. The reason? Festas, religious feasts that each town holds in honor of its patron saint. And in true Mediterranean style, they go all out: processions, marching bands, local food… and yes, fireworks that shake the sky.
Many of Malta’s fireworks are handmade by local pyrotechnic clubs. Every rocket, burst, and sequence has craftsmanship and design behind it, with some families passing the tradition down for generations. That’s what makes them so unique and authentic.
Festas are also a sort of friendly rivalry between towns. Each one tries to outdo the others with louder, brighter, and more impressive displays in fireworks, music, decorations… and noise.
But not everything happens in the sky...
Let’s talk about il-Ġigġifogu. This term refers to a specific type of traditional Maltese firework known as ground fireworks or mechanical fireworks. Unlike aerial displays, these take place on land using spinning and moving structures that form part of the festa tradition a true explosion of color on the ground.
But innovation reaches our eyes, because yes, in Malta it’s not just tradition that explodes… innovation takes flight too. In recent years, drones have joined the fireworks show, especially at major events like the Malta International Fireworks Festival. And while they don’t go “boom,” they definitely make you go “wow.”
These LED-lit drones move in perfect sync, creating shapes, words, flags, and choreographies that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. They blend with the classic fireworks to give the show a more modern, cleaner, and super visual twist.
The best part? No smoke, no noise and still totally jaw-dropping. Plus, since they can be programmed to music, they offer a kind of aerial storytelling that fits beautifully alongside the traditional spectacle.
Every year in late April, Malta hosts the Malta International Fireworks Festival. In 2025, the schedule was:
- April 22: Opening night at the Grand Harbour, Valletta
- April 25: Competition night at the Grand Harbour, Valletta
- April 26: Show in Nadur, Gozo
- April 30: Grand Finale at the Grand Harbour, Valletta
Here are some highlights:
- August 15 – Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija): Celebrated in several towns including Mqabba, Qrendi, Għaxaq, Mosta, Attard, and Victoria (Gozo).
- Last Sunday of August – Feast of St. Bartholomew in Għargħur: A whole week of events ends with a grand procession and fireworks lighting up the village sky.
- First week of August – Feast of St. Joseph in Qala (Gozo): Parades, live music, and of course, fireworks that bring together locals and visitors alike.
And finally… where should you go to see them in all their glory?
If you don’t want to miss these colorful explosions, choosing the right viewing spot is key. Here are some of the best places to catch the shows:
- Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) – Elevated views over the Grand Harbour, perfect for stunning photos.
- Valletta Waterfront – A great mix of restaurants, bars, and a direct front-row view.
- Senglea Waterfront – A quieter alternative to Valletta, without losing the view.
- Main Square of Nadur (Gozo) – Right at the heart of the action during the Gozo show, with a festive, local atmosphere.