You Know It’s Santa Marija in Malta When…

There are public holidays, and then there’s Santa Marija, the day when Malta collectively decides that absolutely nothing is more important than food, family, festas and finding somewhere to swim.

You know it’s Santa Marija when you wake up to fireworks and don’t even question why there are explosions before you’ve had your first coffee.

You know it’s Santa Marija when someone suggests going to the beach, only for the family WhatsApp group to spend the next two hours debating which beach.

You know it’s Santa Marija when every other car seems to be heading towards Mellieħa, Gozo or a family BBQ with enough food in the boot to feed a small village.

Then there’s lunch. What was described as a “small family lunch” somehow involves multiple courses, enough leftovers for three days and at least one relative insisting you haven’t eaten enough.

Across Malta and Gozo, festa enthusiasts have a completely different mission. Decorations are up, bands are out and fireworks are ready as several localities celebrate the Feast of the Assumption in true Maltese style.

And, of course, you know it’s Santa Marija when someone asks whether a particular shop is open today.

It probably isn’t.

Whether you’re spending it by the sea, around a packed table, at a festa or firmly underneath the AC, there’s something unmistakable about Santa Marija.

How are you spending yours?

#MaltaDaily