"Two years ago if you had asked me where Malta was, I would have had no idea! However, this summer I had the pleasure of not only visiting there, but getting to participate in one of its many rich traditions - the “festa”.
More on that later....So why was I in Malta you ask? Maureen (my girlfriend) was born in New York, but raised in Malta as that is where her parents are from. Since we met two years ago she has spoken excitedly about going there together so I can see where she grew up and meet the rest of her extended family. This past summer we made that dream happen."
The country of Malta consists of a series of three islands in the Mediterranean Sea about halfway between Italy and Africa. The largest of the three islands is actually called Malta... next in size is Gozo, and the smallest is Comino. Malta is a relatively small country, covering just over 122 square miles with a population of just under 450,000. This makes it one of the most densely populated countries for its size in the world!
A fun fact is that the prison island from the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo” is actually the island of Comino.
From this photo, you may recognize it. It is the island with the square shaped structure on it, visible on the top left. The photo actually shows all three islands and was taken looking out towards Comino and Malta from the island of Gozo.
Many of the buildings remain standing from the 16th century and the architecture is amazing particularly along the water. Many of the castle type walls are a reminder of the defenses that were necessary to keep this pivotal island free from invaders many hundreds of years ago.
As I mentioned before, the timing of our trip took us back to Maureen’s town of Nadur during it’s annual festa. The festa, or village feast as it’s sometimes called, is a religious celebration hosted by the local parish. The event lasts multiple days and includes fireworks, bands, processions, food, and street parties. The center of the festival is based around the local church and all the work is done by volunteers. It was neat to see how four or sometimes even five generations of a family would all be participating together!
Much of the festival occurs in the evening. My guess is because it’s much cooler at night. Plus, no one is working then so more people can participate.
The church is lit up by many lights and I couldn’t believe how adorned the inside was!
The main religion in Malta is Catholicism and the town church in Nadur was of the fanciest churches I had ever been in. The symbolism and attention to detail was incredible and it reminded me of blend between visiting an art gallery and a museum.
It’s not uncommon halfway through the festival (it lasts multiple days) to have a knock on your door and be asked for donations so more fireworks can be purchased! It’s a matter of town pride that a good show is put on each year during the festa.
I have been to many fireworks displays in the United States, but I was impressed with the size of the Maltese fireworks. They were the biggest (and loudest) I have ever seen! At one point it was like we were inside the show, which was kind of true since the wind was blowing glowing embers toward us.
No one seemed to mind;-)
....were the ground fireworks. There were huge metal frames placed in the town center, right in front of the church, which fireworks were attached to. But they were attached in such a way that caused the whole metal structure to spin and rotate, often in more then one direction. It’s hard to explain but, imagine a 20 foot tall pin-wheel of different colored sparklers, add in some bottle rockets and roman candles which all point in different directions, and then you would be getting close to what they look like! Each metal frame was a different shape and had a different effect and each structure was lit up one at a time. The effect was stunning!
In the summer it can get quite hot in Malta and it is the tradition of the locals to go swimming in the sea during the hottest part of the day. This is one of the traditions that I missed most when I got home to Utah. We have plenty of pools and reservoirs where I live in Salt Lake City, but nothing that compared to the beauty of the sea. I also really enjoyed the rocky beaches, full of places to jump off.
One of my favorite memories from the trip was getting to go on the roof of the church in Nadur. Maureen’s Aunt Tonina, retrieved the skeleton key from the bishop and before I new it we were opening an old wooden door which led up a spiral staircase to the roof. One of Maureen’s other Aunts was also with us and had lived in Nadur her whole life. She had never been on this rooftop so, it was a special day indeed.
...I was able to tag along with Maureen’s brother and his girlfriend for two dives. I hadn’t worn scuba tanks since I got out of the military twelve years ago so it was pretty fun to go for my first dive as a civilian.
For both myself and Maureen the trip to Malta was special for different reasons. It was fun to see Maureen get to spend quality time with her family and the places where she grew up, and for me to meet and see them for the first time.
At the end of the trip I was proud to say that I had been in the “sea” every single day. I put sea in parentheses because it took me half the trip to stop calling it the ocean. It was bitter sweet to say good-bye to Maureen’s family and make the trek back to the USA. I have many fond memories of my first trip to Malta, and look forward to going back in the coming years. If you have ever thought of going to Malta, or this is your first time thinking about it, I would encourage you to go! The people are kind, the air is warm, and the water is inviting. Happy Travels!
Neil Amonson
Jump for Joy
Malta
© 2026 KAVU
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