The ultimate candle celebration takes place during Birgu Fest 2025, one of Malta’s most picturesque and photographed annual events, proudly organised by Birgu Local Council.
Birgu Fest and Birgu by Candlelight return to the charming streets of Vittoriosa this weekend - and we can hardly contain our excitement for what promises to be a weekend filled with candles galore! If you’ve ever visited our studio shop in Birgu, you already know how deep our love for candles runs.
The festival of light that illuminates Birgu's winding medieval streets with the gentle glow of thousands of candles makes a welcome return, having been cancelled in 2024 due to excavations taking place in the main square. Once again the local council and the people of Birgu open their streets and their doors to all, to create a magical and memorable experience!
Important Travel Note:
Before you go, please take a moment to read the essential travel and parking details at the bottom of the page. Driving into Birgu this weekend is strongly discouraged. Instead, we recommend taking the ferry, using park and ride services, or parking nearby and walking in—it’ll make your visit far more enjoyable and stress-free.
So what’s happening during the two days of Birgu Fest 2025?
Hint: Erm, quite a lot actually!
Programme Of Events
Friday 10th October
Torri Ta' San Ġwann
STREAM
The Alchemists
Pjazza tal-Belt Vittoriosa
(Birgu Main Square)
8pm onwards
Xarulu
Thomas The Drummer
feat DJ Massa
Artisan Market
Oratory Of The Holy Crucifix
7pm onwards
Good Friday Exhibition
Saturday 11th October
Birgu By Candlelight
The Streets Of Birgu
Collachio Area
6pm onwards
Street Performers
Gnien Torri ta' San Gakbu
6pm onwards
Projekt Lazarus
Roaming The Streets Of Birgu
4:30pm onwards
Show Of Arms
Pjazza tal-Belt Vittoriosa
(Birgu Main Square)
Lyndsay Pace Duo
Allegra Accordian Group
The Mallet Finger
Triq Il-Kunvent
8pm - 11pm
Serbian Choir Dukat
Indian Band Team Olives
Couvre Porte
6pm onwards
Artisan Market
Mandraġġ Area
8pm onwards
Gilbert Live Music
Fuse
Poste of Castille
7:30pm onwards
Joemike & Lydon
Tattika
St. Lawrence Parish Church
7:30pm onwards
Organ Recital by
Almada Christian Alejandro
Joy Gospel Singers
Cordia String Quartet
Vanessa Vassallo
Mezzo-Soprano & Guitarist
Chapel of St. Philip
8:30pm onwards
Drama
End Of The Line
by Ignite
Triq San Filippu
8pm onwards
Brass Band Marci Brijjuzi
Triq il-Foss ta' Sur
8pm onwards
Short Film Festival
Oratory Of The Holy Crucifix
7pm onwards
Good Friday Exhibition
Birgu's Ditch (Il-Foss tal-Birgu)
Birgu Ditch will be open to the public, entrance down steps near Malta At War Museum
But wait! There's more!
Places of Interest
- The St. Lawrence Conventual and Collegiate Church - St Lawrence Street
- The Annunciation Church - Main Gate Street
-
The Church of St. Anne annexed to the Benedictine Nuns Monastery - St.
Scholastica Street - The Oratory of the Crucifix, adjacent to the Church of St. Lawrence
- The Convent and Cloister of the Dominican Friars - Main Gate Street
- The St. Lawrence Band Club - Victory Square
- The Prince of Wales Own Band Club - Main Gate Street
- Auberge De France - Hilda Tabone Street
- Auberge d'Angleterre - Mistral Street
-
The Norman House - North Street
One of the oldest houses in Birgu, which has unique Siculo-Norman features.
Museums
- The Inquisitor's Palace - Main Gate Street
- The Parish Museum - access from Vittoriosa Main Square
- Malta at War Museum - Couvre Porte
- Fort St. Angelo and The Inquisitor's Palace will be open till midnight on Saturday with a reduced entrance of €3 for both sites
- During Birgu Fest, Malta at War Museum will extend its regular opening hours
Food
You will find a broad range of traditional Maltese food and drinks stalls in many places around Birgu during the weekend.
Important Information
Travel
As previously said, it doesn't make sense for anyone to try and drive into Birgu this weekend, so if you can travel by bus, ferry, park and ride, or even park and walk, it will make your visit a much happier experience!
Valletta Ferry Service
From Valletta to the Three Cities
Operating as usual
From the Three Cities To Valletta
Friday operating until Midnight
Saturday operating until 2am
First Aid Service
Desain Street, next to the Police Station
More Info
For further information (What, you need more?) please contact:
Birgu Local Council
Address: Auberge de France, Hilda Tabone Street, Birgu. BRG1252
Thank You to Birgu Local Council for making all of this possible
One more thing...
Did somebody mention candles?
No trip to Birgu is complete without a visit to what has to be the cutest little candle shop in Malta. Step back in time and enjoy our scented candles, reed diffusers and wax melts, all hand made in-store.
As this is such a special event, please note the extended opening hours of our studio shop:
Friday 10th October - 10am - 8pm
Saturday 11th October - Midday - 11pm
Sunday 15th October - Closed
See You There!
All information sourced from third parties, correct at time of publication, subject to change or modification.