Event guide
L-Imnarja & Feast of St Peter and St Paul (Malta)
The Feast of St Peter and St Paul (29 June) is a Maltese national public holiday and the date of L-Imnarja, the island's oldest folk festival. Crowds gather in Buskett Gardens from the eve for a candle-lit night of Maltese folk singing (għana), agricultural shows and the traditional rabbit-stew fenkata.
Photo by Reuben Farrugia on Unsplash
At a glance
- Dates
- June 28–2026 (day: 29)
- Where
- Nationwide (festival at Buskett Gardens, Rabat)
- Price
- Free (public holiday and free festival)
- Official
- www.gov.mt ↗
Last updated:
What to expect
- Malta's oldest folk festival, dating to the Knights of St John
- Candle-lit night of Maltese għana folk singing in Buskett Gardens
- Traditional rabbit-stew fenkata feasting
- National public holiday — shops and offices closed on 29 June
Planning tips
- Head to Buskett Gardens near Rabat on the eve (28 June) for the atmosphere
- Try a fenkata (rabbit stew) — the dish most associated with Imnarja
- Expect reduced bus services and closures on the 29th
Build a day around it
Valletta events work best when the day stays low-effort: one event block, one food stop, and one slow walk for the harbour light — with buffer. Keep it simple and the city feels more beautiful.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short waterfront/viewpoint loop.
- If you’re making a full day: one landmark block + event + a calm dinner plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.