Christmas Eve Celebration in Malta
Christmas Eve takes place on December 24 and is undoubtedly one of the best nights of the year. Christmas has the superpower to reunite friends or families, warm up our hearts as well as remind us that we have so many things to be thankful for.
Christmas is just around the corner and it’s the most special time for the Maltese people. As in every part of the country, Malta comprises its traditions and customs for the celebration of the heart-warming Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve lights up your fireplace, put on your PJs, call your relatives or friends, and top off your hot cocoa with soft marshmallows.
Malta is a tiny island country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea that is culturally very religious. For the people of Malta, Christmas is one of the most important festivals and the most important decoration is its crib which represents the grotto inside which the baby Jesus was born. Most of the people in Malta are Roman Catholics, thus Christmas remains a strong religious thing for them. Visiting Malta during the peak time of the festive season permits you to experience how the Maltese turn Christmas Eve and Christmas day with their century-old customs and traditions, great events, and a lot of fun. Apply for a Malta visa and tis the season to sparkle.
Traditional Maltese Christmas Eve Food
Christmas is yet another season to enjoy in the kitchen. You will be able to enjoy the super delicious treats if you’re staying in Malta at Christmas. It’s a very common thing for the people of Malta to celebrate homemade meals for Christmas and New Year.
Foreigners and Maltese alike are charged up by the holly jolly Christmas music, lights, and decorations all over the island.
A big part of Christmas tradition in Malta is its ‘food ‘The Maltese love food and they all take pride in their national specialties, the popular pastizzi or the traditional sweets during fiestas are the must-try thing here.
The Nativity Crib
The most charming tradition in Malta is its Nativity crib (Il-Presepju), a tradition that was started in the first half of the seventeenth century. It’s very common to find nativity sets in schools, houses, public areas, and organizations. The Churches are adorned with lights and nativity cribs. The cribs are adorned with figurines, called ‘pasturi’ (the representation of figurines like angels and shepherds). The figure of baby Jesus is placed on the main altar on Christmas night every year. At Epiphany, it’s the common tradition to put the three figures of the Magi (Wise Men) in the crib.
The Vetches (Ġulbiena)
The fetches (Gulbiena or Gurbiena) are the species of grain, wheat, or even canary seeds that are used as Christmas decorations in Malta. Its a noodle-like white shrub that can be found everywhere i.e. on altars near cribs and on the displays of the Child Jesus.
The seeds are put on cotton wool and grown in the dark for at least five weeks before Christmas. They are watered on regular basis and on Christmas Eve the vetches (Ġulbiena) are set to admire.
Midnight Mass and Christmas Procession
On Christmas Eve, the Midnight Mass is held which is a very well-liked holiday tradition in Malta. Going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve after the family dinner is a recognized custom in Malta. The Sermon of the Child dated back to 1883 is one of the most important and oldest Maltese traditions during Christmas. The sermon is given not by the priest but by the small boy or girl who tells the story of Nativity whilst positioned at the main altar. After the Midnight Mass, the children’s procession is organized in which the four boys sing the carols around the village at the same time carrying the lanterns as well as holding the baby Jesus’s statue.
Are you ready to visit Malta and experience the Christmas season & New Year like no other?
Visiting Malta during the peak time of the festive season permits you to experience how the Maltese turn Christmas Eve and Christmas day with their century-old customs and traditions, great events, and a lot of fun.
If you’re planning to visit Malta to celebrate the Christmas season and the New Year, we have good news for you; it’s easier than ever to get a visa for the country.
Those who wish to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Malta, Apply for an online Malta visa.
FAQs
How can I apply for an online Malta visa?
- Fill out the online form for Malta Visa
- After filing the form we will book your appointment for a visa with Embassy
- Further, you need to visit the Embassy office with the required documents
- Hence, you can get your Malta Visa Appointment.
What is the Malta visa fee?
A Tourist visa for Malta will cost you around £181.
What are the documents required for an online Malta Schengen visa?
• Application Form
• A travel document or a valid passport
• UK residency permit
• One photo
• Travel Health Insurance
• Travel Itinerary
• Proof of Accommodation like Hotel Booking, Rental Agreement, etc.
• Proof of Financial means like Bank Statement, sponsorship letter, etc.
What is the Malta visa processing time?
The Malta visa processing time usually takes 10-15 working days.
