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The Knights brought Carnival to Malta in the 16th century. It takes place in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, and has always been an excuse to let off steam before Lent begins. It is celebrated in villages across the islands with parades, fireworks and fancy dress. The biggest events are in Valletta and Floriana; Nadur, on Gozo, is infamous for its own rather unruly version.

In contrast to sombre Good Friday, Easter Sunday is a much more joyful affair. There are more parades, but they include music and sometimes even fireworks. Figolli (pastry figures filled with marzipan) are exchanged, along with chocolate eggs and rabbits.

The Maltese love fireworks, and every year they show off their prowess using the spectacular Grand Harbour as the theatre. Other countries are invited to participate, and for three consecutive nights the Grand Harbour is ablaze with colour and sound. It’s not to be missed if you are in the islands.

Malta is staunchly Catholic, and Good Friday is marked with suitable solemnity. Statues of scenes from the Passion of Christ are paraded through the streets of towns all over the islands.

Major international performers are invited to the fabulous three-day jazz festival that is held on the Grand Harbour, Valletta. The setting, just below the massive bastions, is magical, and a variety of musical styles is represented.

Every village in Malta and Gozo joyfully celebrates the feast day of its patron saint with gaudy lighting and street decorations, brass bands, parades, firework shows, traditional foods and plenty of local wine. The flamboyant parish churches are trimmed with coloured lights, and each village competes to put on the best and wildest festa.

One of Malta’s most colourful events, this traditional folklore festival is celebrated with music, dance, song and local foods such as fenkata (“rabbit feast”). The main arena is Buskett Gardens, where there are bareback horse and donkey races, as well as the traditional singing known as Għana. The carousing carries on all night.

A great family event, Malta’s annual air show displays modern and vintage aircraft which can be explored, plus flying displays. You can see historic aircraft such as Spitfires and Hurricanes in action and enjoy the aerial dexterity of international aerobatic teams.

This Gozitan celebration of the arts includes concerts, plays and lectures. There are walks around heritage sites guided by eminent scholars and introductions to local food and wine.