Għajnsielem on Gozo has 2 feasts in the 2026 church calendar. Here are the dates, and what to expect.
In date order: St Anthony on Sunday, 24 May 2026 (a smaller, secondary feast); Our Lady of Loreto on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
The biggest one is the feast of Our Lady of Loreto, run by the Għajnsielem 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.
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 Għajnsielem.
Good to know before you go
Coming from Malta? Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, then a bus or a taxi to Għajnsielem. Plan the last ferry back before the night gets going.
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.
More to do in and around Għajnsielem
Other feasts near Għajnsielem in May and August
Towns close to Għajnsielem have their own feasts in the same months.