Malta has a large calendar of events, one holiday follows another. In December, the island celebrates the Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, Republic Day, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year.
December 8
Church holiday — Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin — Maltese celebrate on December 8. This year, the national holiday falls on Wednesday.
The city of Kospikua — courageous, invincible, which the Maltese call Bormla according to the old memory — celebrates its titular festival on December 8.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is a landmark of Kospiku, it is located on the street that leads to the embankment. It was built at the end of the 16th century. It is a miracle that the church escaped damage during the German bombings during the Second World War.
A military memorial can be seen under the temple on the side of the bay. A fairly large angel carries a crown and a cross — symbols of Britain and Malta.
In honor of the festival of the Virgin, the city is decorated with flags and garlands. In the evening, the facade of the church shines with light bulbs, and festive marches performed by the city orchestra are heard on the street.
Several churches and chapels across the island and neighboring Gozo celebrate this day with prayers and mini-processions around village streets.
December 13
Malta celebrates Republic Day on Monday, December 13. On this day in 1974, the British monarchy was abolished on the island, the country’s first Constitution was adopted, and Malta became a Republic within the British Commonwealth. Despite this, the English queen was considered the head of state for the next five years, until the last base of the British Navy was liquidated in Malta in 1979.
The date is traditionally marked by a parade of the Maltese army, the presentation of awards and the laying of wreaths at the monuments of the first presidents of Malta.
An obligatory part of the official celebrations is the laying of wreaths by the Government of Malta to the Monument of the Republic in Mars. In honor of the holiday, horse races are held at the hippodrome located in this city. Republic Day is an official holiday in Malta, all state institutions are closed on this day.
December 25 and 26
The pre-Christmas race starts in Malta still in autumn, at the end of October — at the beginning of November. Most of the inhabitants of Malta are Catholics. Therefore, the main holiday for them is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25 (this year is Saturday).
And since the beginning of December, the premonition of a Christmas miracle is in the air.
Houses, streets and shops are decorated with colorful garlands, Christmas tree toys, gold and silver tinsel, Santa figurines. An indescribable atmosphere reigns here, many attractions work, costumed performances are organized on the streets of Malta.
There is a pleasant bustle in the shops. Residents buy gifts for relatives and friends. Maltese prepare thoroughly for Christmas and think in advance what they will give to each other.
On the next day after Christmas, every year on December 26, they celebrate Christmas Day — it’s a day off, and one of the good Catholic Christmas traditions.
Christmas in Malta smoothly transitions into the celebration of the New Year.
December 31
December 31 — New Year’s Eve. New Year on the island is celebrated on a slightly smaller scale than Christmas.
The new year in Malta is the complete absence of the traditional snow cover for our regions. Unlike the Russians, the Maltese do not consider it a family holiday and meet, as a rule, in restaurants, cafes or in the capital, walking along the decorated streets, catching the aroma of mulled wine. They meet acquaintances and exchange congratulations. The most massive celebrations take place in Valletta, on St. George’s Square, where a festive concert with live music and fireworks is traditionally held on New Year’s Eve.
Maltese people have a cheerful disposition, they love and respect their customs and holidays.
the work was done jointly stepanyananna1.wordpress.com
~Սյուզաննա Գալստյան~ 