Saint Joseph in Malta

A public holiday under Maltese law

Malta’s government says public holidays are regulated by the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act, Chapter 252. It lists the Feast of St Joseph among the public holidays, separate from the national holidays, and the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) includes it in the country’s annual total of fourteen paid holidays.[1][2]

The fixed date is 19 March. A public holiday does not necessarily mean every employee has the day off: applicable Wage Regulation Orders set payment and leave entitlements for people who work, and the rules differ by sector and work arrangement. DIER’s guidance includes cases where an employee working on a public holiday receives an applicable premium, or where a holiday falling on a rest day adds hours to vacation leave.[2][3]

Malta’s government calendar confirms 19 March as the Feast of St Joseph.[1]

The religious meaning and Rabat observance

For Catholics, the feast honours Joseph, whom the Church regards as Jesus’ earthly father and Mary’s husband. In a homily delivered at the Church of St Mary of Jesus, known as Ta’ Ġieżu, in Rabat, Malta’s Archbishop described the feast as a solemnity and connected its readings with fatherhood.[4]

The Archdiocese of Malta’s locality list places the 19 March feast of St Joseph in Rabat, Malta. The same list distinguishes it from other local feasts of St Joseph held elsewhere in Malta and Gozo on different dates.[5]

The Archdiocese records the Archbishop’s Mass for the feast at Ta’ Ġieżu in Rabat and notes that the community traditionally gathers there to celebrate. Check local information for details of street processions, band marches, fireworks, decorations or particular foods each year.[4][5]

What visitors and residents can expect

Treat 19 March as a public holiday when arranging work or appointments, and check directly with any office, bank, shop or attraction you plan to visit.[1][2][3]

Transport arrangements and local event schedules can vary. Anyone planning to attend a church service in Rabat should check the parish or Archdiocese for current details.[4][5]