SANTA MARIJA Spectacular Fireworks display ~ 15 August 2023

The Maltese summer festa season hits its peak on 15th August with the feast of Santa Marija or, to give it its official title, the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, which is celebrated in no fewer than seven towns: Mqabba, Qrendi, Mosta, Attard, Gudja, Ghaxaq, and VICTORIA in Gozo.
It’s a religious feast and also a public holiday marking the mid-point of the Maltese island's long hot summer, when most businesses shut up shop to give employees a pause as the thermometer continues to sizzle.
For festa enthusiasts, Santa Marija is the queen of the season, and the usual competition between the parishes goes up a notch or three as towns vie with each other to produce the biggest, most colourful celebration punctuated by the loudest and most creative fireworks.
In some towns, celebrations start two weeks prior to the big day, and culminate in spectacular fireworks displays on the 14th and 15th of August. One of the best pyrotechnic shows to watch will be the one produced by the St Mary’s Fireworks Factory of Mqabba, which is renowned for its ingenious displays. Not to be outdone by its neighbour, Qrendi’s Santa Marija celebrations both the locals and tourists are wowed by some truly amazing fireworks too.
Gozo celebrates the traditional and national feast of Santa Marija.
The capital of the sister island, Victoria, celebrates the feast of Santa Marija. The cathedral at the Citadel is the focal point for this festa, which also features traditional horse races along Republic Street and an agricultural fair at Villa Rundle Gardens on the 14th and 15th of August.
In the evening, the procession starts from the Gozo Cathedral, the statue of Santa Marija will be carried out at shoulder height along the main streets of Victoria, accompanied by the confraternities, Soċ Fil. Leone and the Cathedral Chapter. The return of the procession will be an amazing sight to experience !! A splendid firework display will be let off along the processional route from Gelmus Hill
The spectacle's final fireworks show display is organized by VAMPA Fireworks company. Their pyrotechnics are a splendour fireworks display are much awaited by thousands both local and tourist to view the show.
Maltese pyrotechny consists of:
The shell is filled with small pellets, known as stars. Once the firework reaches a certain height, a second fuse, sometimes called the timed fuse, ignites and activates the burst charge. This sets off the stars within the fireworks, which explode into a dazzling display of colours, sounds, and other effects.