Things You’ll Hear During Santa Marija Week

You don’t need to check the calendar to know it’s Santa Marija week. Just listen. Somewhere between the fireworks, beach arguments and family WhatsApp notifications, you’ll hear at least a few of these.

“There’s no parking.”
The traditional Santa Marija greeting. Usually announced after the third lap around the same car park next to the beach.

“Let’s leave early before everyone gets there.”
Everyone has had exactly the same idea.

“Did you put on sunblock?”
Asked by every Maltese mother, regardless of whether you are 8, 28 or 58.

“The sea is beautiful today.”
Followed five minutes later by “Hawn brama!” when someone spots a jellyfish.

“Who brought the cooler?”
An important question, because said cooler contains enough food and drink to sustain the group until September.

“I’m not staying in the sun.”
Said while sitting directly in the sun.

“It’s not that hot today.”
It is 36°C.

“Ara kemm hawn nies!”
Usually said by someone who has also chosen to visit one of Malta’s most popular beaches during one of the busiest weeks of summer.

“We’ll just go to Gozo.”
As though several thousand other people haven’t reached the same conclusion.

“Did you hear those fireworks this morning?”
Yes. Everyone heard them.

“Ejja, one drink.”
A dangerous sentence that has never, in the history of Santa Marija week, meant one drink.

“Tomorrow we’re taking it easy.”
Tomorrow will involve a beach, a barbecue, a festa, three cousins, two coolers and absolutely no taking it easy.

And somewhere in Malta, someone will inevitably ask:

“So... what are we doing for Santa Marija?”

Because apparently everything you’ve been doing all week was only the warm-up.

#MaltaDaily