Malta International Fireworks Festival

The Malta International Fireworks Festival is organised by the Malta Tourism Authority and held in April. The 2026 edition, the 25th, ran between 18 and 30 April: it opened in Nadur on Gozo, held competitive pyro-musical nights in the Grand Harbour on 20 and 25 April and closed with a finale there on 30 April. Dates for 2027 have not been published yet; the official site says the programme will be announced closer to the event.

Fireworks are a serious craft in Malta, where village societies build their own displays for the summer festa season. The festival brings that tradition onto a bigger stage. In 2026 eight teams, four Maltese and four from abroad, competed in the pyro-musical contest, with displays choreographed to music, while local fireworks factories and band clubs added traditional Maltese ground and aerial fireworks across the programme.

Where to watch

The Grand Harbour is a natural amphitheatre. Paid seating has been set up on the Valletta waterfront, but the bastions and gardens around the harbour give free views: the Upper Barrakka Gardens above the harbour and the waterfronts of the Three Cities opposite are popular spots. Arrive well before dark to claim a place.

• Watching from public viewpoints is free; check the festival's official site for any seating tickets.
• Check the published programme for which nights are competitive and which are traditional displays.
• Expect heavy traffic into Valletta on display nights; buses or the harbour ferries are easier than driving.

April is a pleasant month for walking and sightseeing. See our best time to visit Malta guide and the Grand Harbour cruises page for the harbour by day.