In date order: Conversion of St Paul on Sunday, 1 February 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); St Joseph the Worker on Friday, 1 May 2026; The Holy Cross on Sunday, 3 May 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); St Joseph on Sunday, 10 May 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); St Anthony on Sunday, 17 May 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); St Rita on Thursday, 21 May 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); Our Lady of Holy Doctrine on Friday, 29 May 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); The Assumption of Our Lady (Santa Marija) on Saturday, 15 August 2026; St Helen on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
The biggest one is the feast of St Joseph the Worker, run by the Birkirkara (St Joseph the Worker) parish.
And in 2027?
The 2027 date comes when the Archdiocese publishes it. Most feasts move to a Sunday that suits the parish, so we do not guess.
St Joseph the Worker is always on the same day of the year, so it should be on Saturday, 1 May 2027. The Assumption of Our Lady (Santa Marija) is always on the same day of the year, so it should be on Sunday, 15 August 2027.
What is a festa?
A festa is a village party for the saint of the parish church. The church is lit up with thousands of bulbs and the streets are hung with flags and statues.
The days before the feast are full of band marches. On the eve there are often fireworks. On the day itself the statue of the saint is carried through the streets.
Anyone can go. It is free, it goes on late, and there is usually a stall selling nougat and hot snacks. Wear comfortable shoes and expect crowds near the church in Birkirkara.
Good to know before you go
Parking near the church is hard on feast days. Take the bus, or leave the car at the edge of Birkirkara and walk in.
Fireworks are loud, so small children and dogs may not enjoy them. To go inside the church, cover your shoulders and knees.
Times change from year to year. The parish office and the local band club share the full programme a few weeks before the feast.