How does Malta celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Malta is world-famous for its spectacular pyrotechnic displays. However, come New Year’s Eve, there’s a sense that the Maltese might be weary of fireworks. Around 10 percent of the capital’s population is expected at St. George’s Square and the Valletta waterfront. Revel in a Maltese New Year with a warm cup of Imbuljuta Tal-Qastan, enjoying live music as the temperature stays comfortably above 15 degrees Celsius. Even without the fireworks, St. Julian’s and Paceville offer non-stop dancing and partying till the early morning hours.
Could the Maltese be tiring of fireworks on New Year’s Eve?
On New Year’s Eve in Malta, the sky is often less ablaze with fireworks than during the festive summer months from May to September, when patron saints are traditionally celebrated with grand pyrotechnic displays. While Malta boasts a rich calendar of fireworks events, including the International Fireworks Festival and about 380 village feasts, the New Year tends to be more subdued. Only those fireworks categorized as F1., meaning they pose minimal risk and create low noise, suitable for indoor and residential areas, can be set off without special certification.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Malta
The hotspots for fireworks in Malta include are…
- St. George’s Square
- Valletta waterfront
- Floriana
St. George’s Square and the waterfront come alive with the signature Maltese festivity. Here, locals and visitors alike gather to ring in the New Year, often treated to unexpected fireworks displays. The Ministry of Culture anticipates crowds of up to 50,000, with live bands and jazz ensembles setting the celebratory tone.
Non-stop Nightlife in Paceville and St. Julian’s
For those less keens on fireworks, Paceville and St. Julian’s invite revelers with their numerous clubs and discos open for all-night dancing and partying.
Rules on Private Fireworks in Malta on New Year’s Eve?
Malta typically allows the use of fireworks on New Year’s Eve, continuing a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The Order of Malta also known as the Knights of St. John—established a longstanding custom of setting off fireworks during special celebrations, a practice that has influenced today’s Maltese firework craftsmanship. Modern regulations require firing fireworks only in specific designated areas, and appropriate permits are necessary.
Celebrate safely, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Maltese New Year’s traditions—from the dazzling group displays to the pulsating nightlife of the island’s hotspots.
World of Malta Insider tip: Swap Out the Mulled Wine for a cup of Imbuljuta Tal-Qastana
This New Year’s, why not trade the traditional mulled wine or champagne for a steaming cup of Imbuljuta Tal-Qastan? This Maltese holiday favorite is a rich and warming drink, a lavish hot chocolate mixed with dried chestnuts, cocoa, the zest of tangerines, a hint of cloves, and a sprinkle of sugar—a true taste of local winter comfort.
How do the bus services run on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Malta?
How do the Bus Transport on New Year’s Eve in Malta?
As you celebrate New Year’s Eve in Malta, keep in mind that night buses will operate until around 2:30 a.m. Despite some expected delays due to holiday traffic, you might still catch a bus as late as 3 a.m. These after-hours services are indicated by an ‘N’ preceding the route number—for instance, the N13 shuttles party-goers between St. Julian’s and the main station in Valletta, and the N212 connects Sliema with Buġibba via St. Julian’s, while over on Gozo, the N301 travels between Mġarr ferry port and the capital, Victoria.
For fare without a Personalised Tallinja Card, it’s 3 euros for a two-hour pass—though you can save about 20% by opting for the 12 Single Day Journeys card. For the latest updates and additional bus services starting December 19th, be sure to check the Puplictransport’s official website.
FAQs – You have questions? We give you the answers!!
When does Valletta´s New Year´s Eve bash kick off?
The grand New Year’s Eve celebration in Valletta kicks off at 8:30 p.m., ushering in the festivities that run until 2 a.m. This is when the city comes alive to bid farewell to the year in style.
Operatting times für buses and taxis on New Year´s day in Malta?
Bus services are scheduled to run until 2:30 a.m., but be prepared for potential delays up to an hour due to New Year’s traffic. For a ride at any hour, you can rely on eCabs, Uber, and Bolt, all available 24/7 via their respective apps.
Malta´s New Year's Eve Weater forecast
The forecast for New Year’s Eve and Day in Malta for 2023 predicts pleasantly mild temperatures ranging from 16 to 18 degrees Celsius—hardly the weather for mulled wine, but perfect for ringing in the New Year in just a T-shirt and shorts. Expect a mostly sunny sky with a smattering of clouds to grace the celebrations.
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