Malta has 14 national and public holidays. The national flag is white and red, with the George Cross.
Use this page to practise
Recall Independence Day and Republic Day, then explain why Good Friday needs a year-specific calendar.
Independent practice only. This guide is not an official syllabus, question bank, or prediction of results.
- MT
I Belong Programme · Topic 11 of 11
4 sections · 6 key facts · 4 review prompts
The 2026 calendar: January to June
1 January — New Year’s Day; 10 February — Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck; 19 March — Feast of St. Joseph.
31 March — Freedom Day; 3 April 2026 — Good Friday; 1 May — Worker’s Day.
7 June — Sette Giugno; 29 June — Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The 2026 calendar: July to December
15 August — Feast of the Assumption; 8 September — Feast of Our Lady of Victories; 21 September — Independence Day.
8 December — Feast of the Immaculate Conception; 13 December — Republic Day; 25 December — Christmas Day.
Good Friday’s date changes each year. Check the government’s calendar when planning appointments for another year.
Five national holidays
The five national holidays are Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Our Lady of Victories, Independence Day and Republic Day.
These five are included in the total of 14, not added to it. Local village festas are separate celebrations.
Check opening hours before visiting an office on a holiday. This topic offers independent practice, not official course or exam material.
Flag, anthem and languages
The flag has two equal vertical bands: white beside the pole and red on the outer side. The George Cross sits in the upper corner of the white band, outlined in red.
King George VI awarded Malta the George Cross in April 1942 during the Second World War. It is different from the eight-pointed Maltese Cross.
Malta’s national anthem is L-Innu Malti. Maltese and English are the two official languages.
Key facts to remember
Malta’s 14 holidays include five national holidays.
Good Friday falls on 3 April in 2026; its date changes each year.
Independence Day is 21 September; Republic Day is 13 December.
The flag’s white band is beside the pole and carries the George Cross.
Malta’s national anthem is called L-Innu Malti.
Maltese and English are Malta’s two official languages.
Study tips
- Group the 14 holidays by month, then recall the five national holidays.
- Sketch the flag and mark the side next to the pole.
- Link Independence Day to 1964 and Republic Day to 1974.
Common pitfalls
- Adding five national holidays to 14 instead of counting them within the total.
- Using 3 April as Good Friday’s date every year.
- Confusing the George Cross with the eight-pointed Maltese Cross.
Ready to test yourself?
Self-test
Quick review
4 questions · tap to reveal
When are Independence Day and Republic Day?
Independence Day is 21 September. Republic Day is 13 December.
Which holiday has a date that changes each year?
Good Friday; in 2026 it falls on 3 April.
Where is the George Cross on Malta’s flag?
In the upper corner of the white band, next to the pole.
What are Malta’s anthem and two official languages?
L-Innu Malti is the anthem. Maltese and English are the official languages.
Preparation scope and sources
Since 15 June 2026, I Belong focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course. The Directorate also provides transitional arrangements for Stage 2 applications received before that date, including an opportunity to take MQF Level 2 Maltese. Its overview does not specify a current assessment format or numeric pass mark. Confirm the instructions for your course with your provider. Language exercises here are supplementary practice, not official I Belong course materials.
Read the official I Belong Programme guidance
Assessment guidance checked:
The linked programme overview establishes the preparation context, not an official endorsement of these exercises. Follow your provider's current course materials and assessment instructions.