Good Friday in Malta

A public holiday under Maltese law

Malta’s National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act, Chapter 252, provides the legal framework for public holidays; the Government lists Good Friday among them. The date moves with Easter, so it falls on a different calendar date from year to year.[1][2]

For employees, public holiday entitlements depend on the applicable employment rules and work schedule. DIER says a public holiday taken off on a scheduled workday is paid at the normal full wage; where an employee works, pay arrangements apply under the relevant Wage Regulation Order or the national standard.[2][4]

There is no general rule that moves Good Friday to another weekday. DIER says whole-time employees are entitled to additional vacation leave when a public holiday falls on a Saturday, Sunday or their weekly rest day; it also describes a leave entitlement when a public holiday falls on an employee’s scheduled day off.[4]

Meaning and history

Good Friday recalls the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. In Malta, the public processions are a longstanding part of the day’s observance: an official government newsletter reports that they have taken place on the islands since as early as the 16th century.[3]

Processions and local observances

Processions carry statues representing the Passion of Christ. The government newsletter describes participants dressed as Roman soldiers, Jewish priests and other biblical figures walking behind the statues to funeral marches played by brass bands.[3]

The same source names Rabat, Żebbuġ and Mosta among towns where hooded penitents may carry crosses or drag chains. The particular procession and its route are local, so visitors should check parish or town notices for details before setting out.[3]

Services and practical planning

Public holiday schedules affect some public services, but opening arrangements vary by service. Malta’s One-Stop-Shop for Public Officers lists public holidays as closure days, while the Central Bank says its TARGET2 high-value payment system does not operate on Good Friday.[5][6]

Health-centre arrangements also differ: the government’s Primary Health Care Department lists some centres as closed on public holidays and directs patients to other centres, while several others remain open. Check the relevant service’s official information before travelling. Check opening hours with shops and public transport providers before you travel.[7]