Only in Malta: 17 Things That Make No Sense Anywhere Else!
Malta is known for its rich history, sunny weather, and beautiful Mediterranean scenery. But it’s also full of quirks, little habits, sights, and traditions that might puzzle anyone unfamiliar with island life. Here are 17 things that are perfectly normal in Malta, but might leave outsiders a little confused.
1. Traffic Lights With No Cars in Sight
In some quiet areas, traffic lights continue working even when there are no cars or crossings nearby. Locals still follow them out of habit — just in case.
2. Parking on Pavements
In certain towns, it’s not unusual to find cars parked partly or entirely on pavements. While technically not allowed, it often happens where space is tight.
3. “I’m Coming Now” Might Mean Later
In Malta, some drivers leave their hazard lights on when they stop in unusual places. It often means they have just stepped into a nearby shop or are quickly running an errand. While it is not always legal, it is commonly seen and usually overlooked if they do not take too long.
4. Feasts That Rival Rock Concerts
Village festas celebrate patron saints with loud fireworks, live music, colourful lights, and cheering crowds. It’s religion, culture, and party all in one.
5. Queues for Fresh Bread Before Sunrise
At popular bakeries, people start lining up before dawn to buy freshly baked ftira or ħobż. Bread, in Malta, is serious business.
6. Almost Everyone Is a “Cousin”
It’s common for people to refer to each other as cousins even when they’re not related. It’s a term of friendliness and familiarity.
7. Roundabouts That Confuse More Than Help
Some roundabouts seem to cause more uncertainty than order, but drivers have learned to navigate them with surprising skill.
8. Early-Morning Fireworks
Fireworks aren’t just for the evening. In Malta, they’re sometimes set off at 8am to mark a religious feast or celebration — whether you’re awake or not.
9. Switching Between Three Languages Mid-Sentence
Maltese people often speak in a mix of Maltese, English, and Italian, sometimes within the same sentence. It’s completely normal, especially among young people.
10. Pointing With Lips
Instead of using their fingers, some locals point by pursing their lips. It’s subtle, but it works — and everyone understands.
11. Car Horns Mean More Than Just “Move”
In Malta, a honk can mean “hello,” “thank you,” or “I’m outside.” It’s a kind of local language on its own.
12. Large Cars in Tiny Streets
Many Maltese streets are narrow, especially in older towns. Yet you’ll still see large vehicles squeezing through, often with just inches to spare.
13. Conversations Between Balconies
Neighbours often chat with each other from one traditional balcony to the next, turning the street below into a live conversation.
14. Saying “Yes, Yes” When the Answer Is Really “No”
People may politely agree even if they don’t intend to follow through. It’s not dishonesty, it’s just a gentle way of handling things.
15. Wearing Winter Clothes in Mild Weather
When the temperature drops below 20°C, locals bring out their coats and scarves even while tourists stroll in shorts and sandals.
16. One Road, Several Street Names
Some streets change names halfway through, or have multiple names listed. It can make navigation tricky unless you’re a local.
17. Endless Construction Noise
No matter the day, the sound of drilling or building is rarely far away. Even Sundays and public holidays are not always quiet.
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