St Paul's Feast in Valletta - Another reason to visit Valletta in February

There’s a very very special reason why we chose today to kick off with our first blog on this site. You see, Valletta in February is quite special. Whilst Malta has many many Festas throughout the year, and all are special in their own way, most locals will also agree that there’s that something extra special (some would say legendary) about the feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck which is celebrated in Valletta on this very day – 10th February.

Click on the images for a slideshow

THE HISTORY

The feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is the first of the year’s major feasts. It commemorates the shipwreck of the Apostle St. Paul on the Maltese Islands – an event which took place in 60 AD and which is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

This feast is by far one of the most attended feasts in Malta, by locals and tourists alike. As a result it’s also a time when Valletta is busting with life. From 8am feast goers start to congregate in the streets outside St. Paul’s Church in Valletta which is situated only a couple of streets away from the Valletta G-House. Hundreds of people gather there and wait for the celebrations to start.

The Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck is one of Valletta’s oldest churches. It dates back to the 1570’s and today, and most noteworthy, it is home to the precious relic of St.Paul’s right wrist-bone. In addition there’s also part of the column that was used during his beheading in Rome.

Many consider St. Paul to be the spiritual father of the Maltese nation because shipwreck is thought of as being the most significant event in the nation’s history. Furthermore, you’ll find artistic treasures including the outstanding altarpiece by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, the choir and dome of Lorenzo Gafa, the paintings by Attilio Palombi and Giuseppe Cali. The wooden statue of St. Paul was carved in 1657 by Melchior Gafà.

THE TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE FEAST IS BELOW
ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE JUST A FEW STREETS AWAY FROM THE VALLETTA G-HOUSE

7:00 am- Mass at St. Paul’s Shipwreck church

8:00 am- Mass at St. Paul’s Shipwreck church

9:00 am- Fireworks over the Grand Harbour

9:15 am- Mass at St. Paul’s Shipwreck church

11:45 am- Mass at St. Paul’s Shipwreck church

12:00 pm- Traditional battle re-enactment at the Salluting Battery, Upper Barrakka garden

12:45 pm- Band march

3:45 pm- Mass at St. Paul’s Shipwreck church

5:30 pm- Traditional procession carrying the statue of St. Paul with fireworks, confetti and marching bands

6:15 pm- Procession up Republic Street

7:00 pm- Statue at St. John’s Square

9:30 pm- Devotions and Eucharistic benediction

THE BUZZ

This event is a National Public Holiday and a Religious Feast that takes place in Valletta in February. Expect fireworks, bands, processions, street decorations that take your breath away, lots of alcohol, food and drink from the many bars and restaurants in Valletta and happy celebrations.

With the Feast of St.Paul happening on the 10th, and Valentine’s day on the 14th, Valletta in February is the perfect time to stay at our beloved Valletta G-House. Check out our special rates here.