L-Imnarja is a major feast on Malta’s calendar, celebrated on 29th June to commemorate the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul. Its celebration dates back to before 1530, when the Knights of St. John made the islands their home.

In fact, the word “Imnarja” derives from luminaria (illumination) a Roman pagan feast that celebrates light, illuminating the warm summer night with torches and bonfires. In Malta, it was originally celebrated outside St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat – one of the earliest places of Christian worship due to his alleged shipwreck on the islands.

In 1613, the focus of Mnarja was shifted to the Cathedral of St. Paul in Mdina, with ornate torchlight processions, the firing of 100 petards, horse races and of course, lots of food and music.

It is also one of the rare occasions when you can lend an ear to traditional Maltese folklore songs known as “ghana”. Traditionally, grooms would promise to take their newly or recently wed brides to Mnarja during the first year of marriage.

For luck, many brides go in their full attire – wedding gown and veil – for a long and prosperous marriage. However, this tradition has long disappeared.

Today, Mnarja’s focal point is the scenic woodlands of Buskett, on the limits of Rabat. Buskett is known for the farmers who work and rest after their hard work at harvest, so Mnarja naturally became a feast for them. Today the Buskett activities include an exhibition of farmers’, traditional Maltese music like spirtu pront and Ghana, folk dancing and plenty of bustling and boozing.

This year, be sure to head down to Buskett between the 28th and 29th of June for full evenings of unique activities great for the whole family – let’s keep traditions alive!

Tag someone who needs to go to Mnarja with you!