Cultural Activities
Families
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has one of the best climates in the world. In the summer months, the country offers its pristine beaches and bright sun; in winter, an exploration of its rich history and admiration of the architectural monuments and temples. This training course will take you through the best things to do in Malta with kids so you can plan the perfect trip!
Cultural Activities
One of the highlights of the Maltese Calendar is Carnival. The streets come alive with an array of flamboyant floats, colorful masks, extravagant dresses, and imaginative attire. Numerous activities are tailored specifically for children, ensuring they have an enchanting time during the celebrations. Winter Carnival is celebrated in February each year, while Summer Carnival is held in August, offering a different experience depending on which one is attended. The heart of the action takes place in Valletta, though various towns and villages across the Island have their own version of festivities. The carnival week is a time to let your hair down and go with the flow – perfect for those who enjoy a good party!
Traditional Village Feasts take place between the months of May and September and are deeply rooted in the island's cultural and religious history. Each feast is dedicated to a patron saint, and celebrations date back centuries. Banners, papier-mâché statues raised on wooden columns, and festoons decorate the main streets of the locality where the feast is taking place. The inhabitants of the town or village then add to this festive mood by decorating their own balconies and rooftops with lit-up colored festoons – blue, red, green – according to the feast they are supporting. Flags are also hoisted on public places and private residences as a sign of participation. For families, attending these events offers an opportunity to connect with Malta's heritage and witness age-old customs passed down through generations. From the resounding church bells to the grand processions and ornate statues, the feasts are a living testament to the island's identity and values. A typical Maltese ‘festa’ lasts three days or longer. On any one of these evenings, you are bound to see hundreds of people in a festive mood. Traditional and fast food stands vie with each other to sell their wares to the crowds of merry-makers. Typical products are Maltese type nougat and other sweet delicacies. Homes are looking their absolute best, often benefiting from a fresh coat of paint a few weeks before, in preparation for the feast. The evenings often end with spectacular ground and aerial fireworks displays.
The temples on the Maltese Islands provide an incredible opportunity for a fun and educational family adventure. Parents can take advantage of this historical treasure trove to teach their children about ancient cultures, architecture, and religious practices. Kids can engage with the past in a hands-on way, making history come alive through interactive tours and engaging activities offered by some sites including:
- The National Museum of Natural History in Mdina where exhibits include a flying squid washed ashore in the 1980s and a 4000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile
- Explore Mediterranean art through the ages at MUZA in Valletta
- Malta’s oldest prehistoric site of Għar Dalam where bones of Ice Age animals can be seen among others
Visit Heritage Malta for more ideas on what to visit
