Venture into the capital for this one-off event in which the main four feasts and the two band clubs come together to fill the streets with music and cheer. Set around the celebrative Catholic rituals, you may enjoy the traditional processions featuring the four titular statues of Valletta, the decorations, brass band music and cheer synonymous with the Maltese people. All elements that create the typical Maltese feast.

Il-Festa l-Kbira includes the participation of the Parish Church of Porto Salvo and Saint Dominic, the Parish Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck, the Parish Church of St Augustine, the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Società Filarmonica Nazionale La Valette and the Società Filarmonica King’s Own.

On the 6th of April, a march and joint concert by the King’s Own Band Club and the La Valette Band Club will be taking place in St George’s Square. On the 7th of April, various activities will be taking place around Valletta and Senglea, including a Regatta.

Below find the Programme of Events:

Wednesday, 4th April 2018

6:00pm          Consecration of the Church and inauguration of the new paving inside the Basilica of our Lady of Mount Carmel

Friday, 6th April 2018

7:30pm      The King’s Own Band Club and the La Valette Band Club march from Freedom Square to St George’s Square. The march arrives at the Square at 8:30pm

9:00pm      The King’s Own Band Club and the La Valette Band Club hold a joint concert in St George’s Square. Each band will hold a 40-minute programme.

Saturday, 7th April 2018

11:45am     Regatta in the Grand Harbour

12:00pm    The Wirt Artna Foundation holds a full gun salute at the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barracca

4:50pm       Presentation of Shield and prizes Valletta 2018 Legends of the Grand Harbour, Presentation of Shield and Prizes for Category B, Presentation of Shield and Prizes for Regatta Jum il-Ħelsien

5:00pm      Mass in the four churches involved

5.45pm       The four invited bands gather in front of their respective churches to salute the titular statues as they exit***

6.00pm      Processions exit

6:50pm      Titular statues start arriving in St George’s Square

7:35pm       Celebration and moment of prayer which incorporates the four feasts altogether. This will be led by Monsignor Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna

8:00pm      Titular statues along with the bands make their way through Republic Street to City Gate

8:00pm      Pyrotechnic spectacle in the Fort St Elmo area

9:10pm      Titular statues start gathering in Freedom Square

9:30pm      Titular statues make their way to their respective churches

10:45pm    Titular statues enter churches

 

***Participating bands:

Società Filarmonica Nazionale La Valette, Valletta – San Pawl

Società Musicale Beland, Żejtun – Santu Wistin

Società Filarmonika King’s Own, Valletta – San Duminku

Għaqda Karmelitana Banda Queen Victoria, Żurrieq – Madonna tal-Karmnu

 

Freedom Day Regatta Programme happening on the 7th April

11:45am     Comperes introduction for the Regatta Programme on Main Stage

11:53am     1st Race – B Tal-pass x 2

12:00pm    The Wirt Artna Foundation holds a Full Gun Salute at the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barracca

12:10pm     Entertainment starts at Valletta Waterfront

12:10pm     Entertainment starts at Senglea

12:25pm     2nd Race – Open A Tal-Midalji

12:35pm     Kids Entertainment

12:50pm    3rd Race – B Kajjik

1:00pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

1:20pm    4th Race – Open A – Frejgatini

1:30pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

1:50pm    5th Race – B – Midalji

2:00pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

2:10pm    Valletta 2018 Song to Launch the Legends of the Harbour Race

2:15pm     6th Race – Valletta 2018 Race – legends of the Harbour. Tal-pass x 4

2:25pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

2:40pm    7th Race – Open A – Tal-Pass x 2

2:50pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

3:00pm    Presenters to give information about Il-Festa l-Kbira.

3:10pm     8th Race – B – Frejgatini

3:20pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

3:40pm    9th Race – Open A – Kajjikki

3:50pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

4:10pm    10th Race – B – Tal-Pass x 4

4:20pm    Entertainment continues at Valletta Waterfront and at Senglea

4:35pm     11th Race – Open A – Tal-Pass x 4

4:45pm    Results

4:50pm    Valletta 2018 Shield Presentation and Open A shield and Cat B Shield

5:00pm    Closing

 

Download the route for Il-Festa l-Kbira here.

 

Transport arrangements:

6th April

  • Special public transport service between 11pm and midnight
  • Route 133 (Valletta route) will not be affected
  • Taxis will be operated from the new taxi stand near the Triton Fountain
  • Coaches/minivans will board and alight passengers from the Mall in Floriana

7th April

  • Special public transport service between 11pm and 12.30am
  • Route 133 (Valletta route) will be diverted to the Valletta Ring Road as from 4.30pm
  • Taxis will be operated from the new taxi stand near the Triton Fountain as from 10am
  • Coaches/minivans will board and alight passengers from the Mall in Floriana
  • Ferries will be operating with two ferries from both landing places up to 1am
  • Barrakka lift will remain operational up to 1am
  • Shuttle service for Floriana Park and Ride will operate up to midnight