Malta International Fireworks Festival: fireworks over Malta and Gozo
The Malta International Fireworks Festival brings together fireworks, music and Maltese traditions. The Grand Harbour at Valletta provides an impressive backdrop for displays over the water. Gozo also featured in the 2026 programme. For fireworks enthusiasts, the festival is a great introduction to Malta’s fireworks culture.
What makes Malta’s fireworks festival special?
A key feature is the pyromusical competition: fireworks displays with colours, effects and timing choreographed to music. Maltese and international participants show how they build a complete performance. For 2026, the organisers announced around forty fireworks factories and associations, including eight competition entrants. Read the Malta Tourism Authority’s announcement.
Fireworks as a Maltese tradition
Fireworks are part of Malta’s local village celebrations, known as festi. The festival builds on that tradition and gives it an international stage. The Malta Tourism Authority organised a national fireworks festival in 2002, which later developed into an international event. Learn more about the festival’s background.
Locations: Valletta and Gozo
In 2026, festival evenings took place in Nadur on Gozo and at Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The combination of the historic harbour and fireworks over the water makes Valletta a distinctive setting. Check the locations for each edition, as they may differ from one evening to another.
When is the Malta International Fireworks Festival?
The official 2026 calendar listed these evenings:
- 18 April 2026: Nadur, Gozo.
- 20 and 25 April 2026: Grand Harbour, Valletta.
- 30 April 2026: finale at the Grand Harbour.
These dates have now passed. When checked on 30 September 2026, the official website still listed the 2026 edition. For a future visit, wait for the next announcement and do not assume these dates apply to the following year. View the official festival programme.
Practical tips for your visit
- Check the date, location and start time of your chosen evening.
- Look up viewing areas and any ticket requirements. Seated tickets were offered for 2026.
- Arrive early and plan your return journey. Include the ferry connection when visiting Gozo.
- Follow the organiser’s updates about programme changes and weather conditions.
Discover more fireworks shows and festivals
From Maltese fireworks traditions to international displays set to music, the Malta International Fireworks Festival showcases different sides of fireworks. Looking for more events? Use our fireworks calendar to discover other shows and festivals.
Discover fireworks shows and festivals in our fireworks calendar