Malta Events and Festivals

6/28/2008 - 6/29/2008Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Imnarja)

More commonly known as 'Mnarja', this major festival began in the time of the Knights of Malta and was marked by country fairs, music, song and outdoor feasting. Nowadays it's celebrated in and around the historic town of Rabat and features an agricultural fair with local produce on sale, livestock competitions, marching bands and horse racing in the afternoon. The most traditional and folkloric part of the festival takes place in woodland at Buskett, near Rabat, where people from all over the island flock to enjoy folk music and singing. Beneath the trees, people linger until late at night, tucking in to rabbit stew, a Maltese speciality. The word Mnarja is derived from 'Luminarja' meaning lights, and refers to bonfires.