Imnarja 2025: The Best Events and Traditions to Experience in Malta

How to Enjoy Imnarja 2025 Like a Local in Malta

I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in one of Malta’s oldest and most beloved festivals—Imnarja. Held every year in the rural village of Buskett, just outside the medieval city of Mdina, Imnarja is a traditional Maltese celebration that honors the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. The festival dates back centuries and is a celebration of Maltese culture, rural traditions, and agricultural heritage.

As someone who had only read about this event in travel guides, I was eager to experience it firsthand. I found that Imnarja is far more than a religious feast—it’s a vibrant celebration filled with music, food, races, and local traditions that give visitors a unique look into the heart of Maltese rural life. Locals proudly shared their traditions with me, offering tips and stories that made my experience all the more memorable.

The Significance of Imnarja

Imnarja (pronounced Im-nar-ya) is derived from the word "luminaria," which means festival of lights, reflecting the bonfires and illuminations that historically accompanied the celebrations. While the festival is deeply rooted in the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, who are patrons of farmers, it has also become a celebration of Maltese rural life and agriculture.

Over the centuries, the focus of Imnarja has expanded from a religious event to a national holiday that celebrates Malta’s agricultural traditions, including livestock shows, cooking contests, and horse and donkey races. The event is an important part of Maltese identity, as it showcases the island's rich history and enduring connection to the land.

For locals, Imnarja is a time to celebrate their rural heritage, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. For visitors like me, it’s an opportunity to experience Malta’s countryside traditions in a festive and welcoming environment.

What to Expect at Imnarja 2025

The 2025 Imnarja festival will take place on June 28th and 29th, with a full schedule of activities centered around Buskett Gardens. Here's what I experienced during my visit to the festival, along with local tips that made the day unforgettable:

1. The Night Before: A Picnic Under the Stars

One of the most special parts of Imnarja is the eve of the feast on June 28th, when families and friends gather in Buskett Gardens for a traditional picnic under the stars. When I arrived in Buskett, the air was filled with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and the aroma of delicious Maltese food.

Locals bring blankets, chairs, and coolers filled with homemade food and local wine. I had the chance to try some traditional Maltese dishes that are particularly popular during Imnarja, including stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), hobz biz-zejt (Maltese bread with olive oil, tomatoes, and tuna), and pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas).

A friendly local, Carmel, invited me to join his family’s picnic and shared the story of his childhood Imnarja picnics. He explained that this gathering is not just about the food, but about spending time with loved ones and continuing the traditions passed down from previous generations.

Local Tip: Carmel suggested arriving in Buskett Gardens early in the afternoon to claim a good spot. The best spots are under the shade of the trees near the central area, where you can hear the music and watch the festivities unfold.

2. Traditional Folk Singing (Għana)

After enjoying the picnic, I noticed a crowd gathering near a stage where local folk singers, known as għannejja, were performing għana. This traditional Maltese singing style is a unique form of improvised poetry performed to the accompaniment of guitars. The lyrics often tell stories of love, hardship, and rural life, and the back-and-forth between singers is almost like a battle of wits, with each performer responding to the other.

As I listened, I was amazed at how quickly the singers crafted their verses, weaving humor and emotion into their songs. The audience cheered and clapped in appreciation of the performers’ skill.

Local Tip: A woman named Marija told me that understanding the words of għana can make the experience even more enjoyable, but even without understanding Maltese, the emotion and rhythm of the singing make it a powerful performance to witness. She recommended standing near the stage to watch the expressions of the singers as they improvise.

3. Agricultural Shows and Competitions

Imnarja is also famous for its agricultural exhibitions, where local farmers showcase their best livestock, produce, and traditional crafts. Early on June 29th, I wandered through the exhibition area, where I saw prize-winning cows, goats, sheep, and even rabbits on display. Farmers proudly stood by their animals, discussing breeding techniques and sharing their knowledge with anyone interested.

There were also displays of fruits and vegetables, with large, colorful exhibits featuring giant pumpkins, tomatoes, and melons. Many of the fruits and vegetables are grown in small family-owned farms and represent the hard work and dedication of Malta’s agricultural community.

As I wandered through the stalls, I chatted with Sandro, a local farmer, who explained how these competitions are not just about winning prizes, but about preserving Malta’s rural traditions. He also recommended I check out the traditional honey stall, where I could sample different types of Maltese honey, a key part of the island’s agricultural heritage.

Local Tip: Sandro advised arriving early on June 29th to see the livestock judging, which begins in the morning. He also recommended stopping by the honey stall to take home a jar of Maltese wild thyme honey—a delicacy that’s hard to find outside the island.

4. Horse and Donkey Races

One of the most exciting and unique parts of Imnarja is the horse and donkey races, held on the morning of June 29th at the Saqqajja Hill in Rabat. This traditional race has been a part of the festival for centuries, and it’s a lively, competitive event that draws large crowds.

When I arrived at the racecourse, the energy was electric. The riders, dressed in traditional attire, raced down the narrow hill while the crowd cheered and shouted in excitement. The donkey race was particularly entertaining, as donkeys are known for their stubbornness, and watching the riders try to coax their donkeys across the finish line was a sight to behold!

Local Tip: A man named Toni suggested positioning myself at the top of Saqqajja Hill for the best view of the entire race. He also mentioned that the donkey race is a crowd favorite, so make sure not to miss it!

5. Religious Celebrations

Imnarja wouldn’t be complete without its religious significance. The festival commemorates the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, and many locals attend Mass at the Mdina Cathedral or at their local parish church. After exploring the festival grounds, I made my way to Mdina, where the streets were filled with the sound of church bells ringing in celebration.

I attended a beautiful Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Mdina, where the church was filled with worshippers and decorated in honor of the feast day. The religious ceremonies added a solemn and spiritual element to the otherwise lively festival.

Local Tip: Marija told me that if I wanted to experience the full depth of Imnarja, attending Mass is a must. The Mdina Cathedral holds a particularly special place in the hearts of the locals during this feast, and the early morning services are the most atmospheric.

Where to Stay for Imnarja 2025

For anyone attending Imnarja, it’s a good idea to stay nearby so you can fully enjoy both the evening picnic and the next day’s festivities. Here are a few recommendations based on my experience:

1. Mdina or Rabat

Since Mdina and Rabat are located close to Buskett Gardens, they’re ideal places to stay during the festival. Mdina, with its historic charm and narrow, cobbled streets, offers a magical backdrop for Imnarja. Rabat is also a great option, with more accommodation choices and easy access to both the gardens and the Saqqajja Hill racecourse.

2. Valletta

If you prefer staying in Valletta, the capital city of Malta, it’s only a short drive or bus ride to the Imnarja events. I stayed in Valletta for part of my trip, and the transportation to Buskett was smooth, thanks to Malta’s efficient bus system.

Local Tips for Enjoying Imnarja 2025

Throughout the festival, locals were eager to share their tips with me, which made my experience even more enjoyable. Here are some of the tips I received:

• Bring Your Own Picnic: The locals told me that while you can buy food at the stalls, bringing your own homemade picnic is part of the tradition. Many families prepare days in advance, cooking dishes like rabbit stew and ftira (Maltese flatbread).
• Pack a Blanket and Chairs: Since the evening picnic in Buskett Gardens is an essential part of the festival, make sure to bring a blanket or portable chairs to sit comfortably under the trees.
• Don’t Miss the Races: The horse and donkey races are a highlight of Imnarja, and locals stressed that this is a can’t-miss event. Arriving early at Saqqajja Hill ensures you’ll get a great view.

A Tradition I’ll Never Forget

Imnarja was much more than a festival; it was a window into Malta’s soul, where tradition, family, and community come together in a joyous celebration of the island’s agricultural heritage. From the picnics under the stars to the lively horse races, Imnarja offers a truly unique experience that captures the heart of Maltese culture.

Whether you're a visitor like me or a local who has grown up with these traditions, Imnarja is a festival that connects people to their roots, and I left with a deeper appreciation for Malta's rich history and traditions.