Public Holidays in Malta 2026 – Catholic & National Holidays
Malta observes a number of public and national holidays every year, combining religious feasts, historical commemorations, and labor observances. The holidays are regulated under the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act (Chapter 252).
Overview of Malta’s Public Holidays
Malta distinguishes between “national holidays” (which require ceremonial flag flying) and standard “public holidays.” Under Maltese law (Amendment 2005), when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, workers receive an additional day of leave, even though the holiday itself does not move to a weekday.
List of Public & National Holidays in Malta (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Name | Notes / Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Public holiday |
| February 10 | Tuesday | Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck | Public holiday |
| March 19 | Thursday | Feast of St. Joseph | Public holiday |
| March 31 | Tuesday | Freedom Day (Jum il-Ħelsien) | National holiday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Public holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day | Public holiday |
| June 7 | Sunday | Sette Giugno | National holiday |
| June 29 | Monday | Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul (L-Imnarja) | Public / religious holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary | Public holiday |
| September 8 | Tuesday | Feast of Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vittorja) | National holiday |
| September 21 | Monday | Independence Day (Jum l-Indipendenza) | National holiday |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Feast of Immaculate Conception | Public holiday |
| December 13 | Sunday | Republic Day (Jum ir-Repubblika) | National holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Public holiday |
List of Public & National Holidays in Malta (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Name | Notes / Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Public holiday |
| February 10 | Monday | Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck | Public holiday |
| March 19 | Wednesday | Feast of St. Joseph | Public holiday |
| March 31 | Monday | Freedom Day (Jum il-Ħelsien) | National holiday |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Public holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / May Day | Public holiday |
| June 7 | Saturday | Sette Giugno | National holiday |
| June 29 | Sunday | Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul (L-Imnarja) | Public / religious holiday |
| August 15 | Friday | Assumption of Mary | Public holiday |
| September 8 | Monday | Feast of Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vittorja) | National holiday |
| September 21 | Sunday | Independence Day (Jum l-Indipendenza) | National holiday |
| December 8 | Monday | Feast of Immaculate Conception | Public holiday |
| December 13 | Saturday | Republic Day (Jum ir-Repubblika) | National holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Public holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day / St. Stephen’s Day | Bank holiday (not statutory) |
Notes & Observations
- Malta observes 14 public and national holidays annually.
- If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, workers are legally entitled to an additional day of leave.
- National holidays include Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Our Lady of Victories, Independence Day, and Republic Day.
- For comparison with another Mediterranean holiday framework, see Public Holidays in Mali.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Malta have in 2026?
Malta observes 14 public and national holidays in 2026.
What is Freedom Day in Malta?
Freedom Day (March 31) commemorates the withdrawal of British forces from Malta in 1979.
Which are the national holidays in Malta?
National holidays include Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vittorja), Independence Day, and Republic Day.
Does a weekend holiday give an extra day off?
Yes. Maltese law provides a compensatory day of leave if a public or national holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Malta reflect the country’s religious heritage, labor history, and national milestones. From Good Friday and Christmas to Independence Day and Republic Day, these observances structure Malta’s civic and cultural calendar each year.
