A Guide to Maltese Culture and Customs for New Residents
- Sean
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
One of the main things to know about Malta is that it is a country that is the perfect combination of history, beauty and culture. The country is not only packed full of wonderful people who are just ready and waiting to welcome new people to live there but also has a rich and varied history.
If you are thinking about moving to Malta, then aside from knowing that you are always going to see a friendly face, you are going to give yourself the best chance of settling there, but finding out more about the culture and customs of those who live there.
So, to help you with this, we have put together our guide to Maltese culture and customs for new residents.
It has a rich blend of cultures.
Skyline of Valleta during night, Malta
One of the best places to start when it comes to learning about Malta is the fact that it is a true blend of cultures. This is not only due to the location of the country, which is at a crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and Europe but also the fact that over the years, a number of civilizations have lived there and left their mark.
This includes the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs Knights of St.John and of course, the British too. Having this combination means that not only does this mean that Malta have a melting pot of customs and traditions but also for some people, languages too.
Ancient History
A massive part of life in Malta is to recognise the very best of the ancient history that the country has (and is fiercely proud of too).
The history of Malta dates back thousands of years and it is home to the Megalithic Temples, which are UNESCO-listed and are thought to date back over 5,000 years and are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
When you see it for yourself, it is easy to see why the Maltese people love their history as much as they do.
Celebrations in Malta
Malta Carnival
The variety of celebrations that happen in Malta gives an insight into the mixture of culture and religion that is a key part of life there.
One of the most famous is held in February and is the Malta Carnival. As it is a carnival it is packed with costumes, street parties and a whole lot of colour too and is held to mark the beginning of Lent, which is an important religious event in the country.
Another celebration that is seen throughout the country is Festa. Festa is when Malta and the smaller island of Gozo take the time to celebrate and honour the patron saints of the regions throughout the country. During the event, there are street parties, fireworks and a number of communities that come together to share in their heritage and for many of them, also their faith.
Apart from religion, some other events and celebrations are a part of life in Malta. One example of this is the Malta International Arts Festival. This is held annually and is there to showcase the vibrant arts that form a huge part of life in Malta.
As well as the more obvious types of art you may expect to see, there are also dance, music and theatre performances.
The welcoming nature
If you ask other people about Malta and the people who call it their home, then they are likely to say that they are amongst the most welcoming and warm people. Any guests are welcomed with open arms and are instantly made to feel like a part of the extended family. This is ideal if you are planning on moving to the country and want to make it your new home.
One of the ways that people in Malta show that they want to include those they meet is to gift them food. Which, when you know just how delicious the foods are in Malta, then you will definitely be happy with this.
The types of foods that you are likely to be offered are savoury pastries, Maltese bread that is packed with tomato paste and olive oil and also dates pastries. It is important to know that this is a key part of social life in Malta, so make sure that you are prepared to sample these delicious treats.
Religion
St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta
It is important to know that even if you are not someone who sees themselves as being religious, those in Malta are. They are a strictly Roman Catholic country, which means that you should be aware of showing respect for their beliefs.
This is particularly true if you are planning on visiting any churches when you are in the country. You should remove your hats and sunglasses and you should aim to have your knees and shoulders covered. Be aware that if you do not follow these rules, then you may not be allowed to go into the church at all.
Language
If you are concerned that you are going to struggle to communicate with those who are native to Malta, then you will be glad to know that the majority of people who live there are able to speak fluent English, as well as Maltese.
This is due to there being a rich English heritage in the country.
The laid-back approach to life
Marsaxlokk Harbor, Malta
Those who live in Malta want to enjoy the very best of life. As well as cooking plenty of food (see the above point) the Maltese people are determined to relax, lay back and enjoy the slower pace of life.
There is a focus on community and there is a focus on making sure that you spend time with those who you care about the most.
Thinking that you would like to adopt the Maltese way of life for your own? Why not make it easier for yourself by getting in touch with us here at Pinnacle and finding out more about how we can help you relocate and have a brand new home to call your own? All in a beautiful new location.