Saints Peter and Paul in Malta

A public holiday on 29 June

The National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act provides the legal framework for public holidays in Malta. The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is a public holiday on 29 June.[1]

A public holiday does not necessarily mean every employee has the day off. Employment entitlements depend on the employee’s work arrangements and applicable rules. Additional vacation leave may be due in specified situations when a public holiday falls on a rest day or on Saturday or Sunday; the holiday is not moved to a different date.[2][4]

Religious feast and Maltese tradition

In Malta, L-Imnarja is both a religious feast of Saints Peter and Paul and a folk and harvest festival. The church celebration takes place in Mdina, and an earlier gathering was held at Saqqajja near Rabat. The folk festival in Rabat dates back at least to medieval times, before the Knights of St John arrived in 1530, and was connected with the town’s agricultural life and the period after harvest.[3]

Festivities, folk singing and later the fenkata moved from Rabat to Buskett from the eighteenth century, while races were held in Rabat on 29 June.[3]

How people mark L-Imnarja

Buskett remains a focus for public festivities. A parade travelled from Rabat to Buskett, where the programme included displays of fruit and vegetables, animals and traditional għana singing. Mnarja showcases local farmers’ produce and work.[5]

Rabbit dishes are part of the food tradition associated with the festival. Rabbit stew is a Maltese dish, and rabbit pie could be eaten as a main dish at village feasts such as L-Imnarja.[6]

Planning a visit

Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check directly with a particular office, business or transport provider before making plans.[1][5]