L-Imnarja, officially known as Lejl ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul), is one of Malta’s oldest and most culturally significant celebrations.
Its origins date back to the 16th century, during the time of the Knights of St John, although the feast itself is rooted in even older Roman and Christian traditions.
The word Mnarja is derived from the Latin word luminaria, meaning “illumination,” referring to the bonfires and candlelight that once lit up the festivities.
Traditionally celebrated on the 29th of June, the feast honours Saint Peter and Saint Paul, two of Christianity’s most important apostles.
Historically, Mnarja was celebrated at the Mdina Cathedral and later expanded to include countryside festivities at Buskett Gardens. It became a rare day when peasants and farmers could come together to eat, drink, and enjoy traditional għana (folk singing), rabbit stew, and horse or donkey races.
Today, Mnarja is still marked by agricultural shows, folk music, and religious observances, especially in Buskett. It remains a unique blend of rural tradition, national identity, and religious devotion, a celebration of Maltese heritage, unity, and resilience.
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