The festa, a religious celebration in honour of the village’s patron saint, is central to the life of every town and village in Malta and Gozo.
Marking the peak of the summer season, on the 15th of August, is the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, known locally as the Feast of Santa Marija, which is probably the most celebrated festa in the Maltese islands.
Besides being celebrated in various localities (Gudja, Attard, Mosta, Mqabba and Qrendi in Malta and Victoria, Gozo), it is also a national public holiday. In mid- August 1942, during World War II, Operation Pedestal, also known as the Santa Marija Convoy entered the Grand Harbour, bringing enough supplies to maintain Malta’s defences and stave off surrender.
