New Year’s Eve in Malta has become famous for its thrilling fireworks displays and bustling street parties, which are still free of charge, unlike in many other countries. However, these popular events are relatively new, only established within the last few years. Before these celebrations, the Maltese people would spend New Year’s Eve more casually, often with their families, and food was a significant part of the festivities. Food and family play an essential role, with many restaurants packed with generations of Maltese relatives. Nowadays, there are more options available for celebrating the New Year, whether you want to indulge in classic New Year’s Eve dishes like Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, witness the Valletta fireworks or prefer staying closer to home with a fantastic dinner at one of our Corinthia hotels.
You will need a good meal to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Malta. Thankfully, Maltese Christmas and New Year’s Eve dishes are hearty and influenced by North African, Sicilian, and British cuisines. Some of the staple dishes include brodu tat-tiġieġa (chicken broth), imqarrun il-forn (baked macaroni), and tiġieġa bil-patata il-forn (roast chicken and potatoes). You can enjoy a traditional festive honey ring called qagħaq tal-għasel and a strong coffee for dessert. With these dishes, you will be all set to celebrate the New Year in Malta.
The history of pyrotechnics displays in Malta dates back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St John. Therefore, it’s not surprising that this show has become a focal point of the national end-of-year celebrations, attracting huge crowds at critical spots across the city. Popular gathering points include St George’s Square and the Valletta Waterfront, where locals, ex-pats, and tourists come together for the countdown, showcasing the famed Maltese party spirit. Additionally, there is a free concert, which includes a mix of jazz and brass bands and fusion DJs, creating a truly inclusive setting.
Floriana, located just outside Valletta, hosts terrific New Year celebrations that are so popular they bring the city to a standstill. That’s why St Anne’s, one of the busiest streets in Malta, is closed off for a gigantic and lively street party. We advise arriving early to enjoy the festive atmosphere and heading to the Granaries, the largest square in Malta, for the concert.
In Malta, the Imbuljuta is a popular drink usually enjoyed during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. It is a warm and comforting drink that is similar to hot chocolate. The ingredients used to make this drink include dried chestnuts, cocoa, tangerine rind, cloves, and sugar. It has a taste that reminds one of the festive season and is perfect for the chilly evenings.
The fireworks have ended, the street celebrations are winding down, and people are heading home to sleep off their hangovers. It’s time for the truly dedicated to take action - it’s New Year’s Eve. If you want to dance your way into the new year, St. Julian’s is the best place since the island’s nightclubs are mainly there. It’s generally agreed that the club-hoppers with the most stamina go through Paceville, St. Julian’s clubbing and bar district. However, this may be not easy on New Year’s Eve. Many NYE events require tickets and are prone to selling out in advance, so it’s wise to research beforehand.
In Malta, many traditions have been lost over time. One such tradition was I-Istrina, where small children were given gifts of money on the first day of New Year. However, this tradition was lost mainly due to the British influence who introduced the custom of giving presents on Christmas Day. Another tradition was the use of white lime on thresholds, which symbolized purity and a new beginning. However, this custom died out in the 1930s, and nowadays, people may find it strange if they still practice this superstition.
