Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes- San Ġwann
Price not published
Culture & ArtSource listing: Visitmalta
Balluta's seafront feast lights up the night of 26 July with rival band marches and fireworks over the bay
SliemaSun, Jul 26, 2026 · 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Overview
Overview
Experience a beloved village feast in Balluta
Read full details
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel takes over Balluta Bay, on the Sliema/St Julian's waterfront, through the week leading up to 26 July 2026 - the Archdiocese of Malta's confirmed date for this parish's celebration. Two rival band clubs lead competing marches and processions through the neighbourhood in the days before, building to a solemn Mass, a statue procession, and a seafront fireworks display on the feast night itself.
Because Balluta Bay is right on the water, the fireworks read especially well from the promenade - locals and visitors gather along the bay in the evening as the two band clubs compete for the loudest cheers. Everything is free and takes place in the open streets and seafront, so there's no ticket to buy; just show up in the early evening and follow the music.
📍 Balluta Bay, Sliema/St Julian's🎟️ Tickets from €0🔞 Open to all ages; fireworks and petards are loud, so plan accordingly for young children.festivalreligious festivalfireworksMaltese festafree event
Starting price is indicative — check the official source for current tickets.
Good to know
- Balluta Bay's Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel peaks on the evening of 26 July 2026 with rival band marches, a statue procession and seafront fireworks.
- Getting there: Balluta Bay sits between Sliema and St Julian's on Malta's coast, served by Malta Public Transport buses from Valletta and an easy walk along the Sliema/St Julian's promenade.
- Tickets: Free - it's an open-air public feast with no entry fee.
- Rules: No cashless requirement or bag checks; petards and fireworks are loud, so keep pets and noise-sensitive visitors away from the promenade during the display.
- Accessibility: The seafront promenade is flat and paved, making it one of the more wheelchair-friendly feast locations, though it gets very crowded on feast night itself.
- Best time to arrive: Head to the Balluta Bay promenade by early evening on 26 July for the band marches and a good fireworks viewing spot.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Balluta feast?
Balluta Bay's Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel reaches its peak on the evening of 26 July 2026, with rival band marches, a statue procession, and fireworks over the water.
What is a Maltese feast?
A village-wide religious celebration honoring a patron saint. It includes a solemn church mass, statue procession, band marches from two rival clubs, elaborate street decorations, free festivities, and fireworks.
When do the fireworks happen?
Fireworks displays occur nightly during the week leading up to the feast, with the main display on feast night, the evening of 26 July.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, the feast is free. Simply show up in Sliema or Balluta Bay to watch the processions and fireworks.
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