Chloe Adams
Malta's Candle Festival, also known as BirguFest, is an annual event held in the historic city of Birgu (Vittoriosa). For one weekend, the city is illuminated by thousands of candles as electric lights are switched off, creating a mesmerizing and dreamlike atmosphere. The festival typically takes place in October, with the 2025 edition scheduled for the 10th and 11th. BirguFest offers a unique opportunity to explore Malta's heritage, with historical re-enactments, live performances, exhibitions, local crafts, and Maltese cuisine. The candlelit section, Birgu by Candle Light, is particularly breathtaking, with candles adorning the streets, homes, and historical buildings of Birgu.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | BirguFest, Candlelight Festival, BirguFest Candlelight Festival |
| Location | Birgu, Malta |
| Date | 10–11 October 2025 |
| Previous Dates | 11–12 October 2024 (cancelled), 11–13 October 2019 |
| Time | 8:00 pm onwards |
| Ticket Price | €3 |
| Attractions | Fort St Angelo, Malta Maritime Museum, Inquisitor's Palace, food stalls, screenings, concerts, music, art, historical re-enactments, live performances, exhibitions, local crafts, Maltese cuisine |
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What You'll Learn
Birgu by Candlelight
For one weekend, usually in October, the streets of Birgu are illuminated by thousands of candles as electric lights are switched off. The candlelit section of the festival is known as 'Birgu by Candlelight'. Residents fashion candles and place them on their windowsills and wall fronts, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in the city's narrow streets and squares.
During the festival, Heritage Malta's museums and sites in Birgu, including Fort St Angelo, the Malta Maritime Museum, and the Inquisitor's Palace, offer extended hours and reduced ticket prices. Visitors can also enjoy historical re-enactments, live performances, exhibitions, local crafts, and Maltese cuisine.
In 2025, Birgu by Candlelight will take place on October 10th and 11th, with the city's enchanting candlelit transformation beginning at dusk, from 8:00 PM onwards.
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Historical re-enactments
The candle festival in Malta, also known as BirguFest, is held annually in October. In 2025, it will take place on 10 and 11 October. During the festival, the city of Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa, the former capital of Malta) is illuminated by thousands of candles, with electric lights switched off. The festival includes historical re-enactments, bringing Malta's rich past to life. Here is some more information about these re-enactments:
BirguFest features historical re-enactments that showcase Malta's history and cultural heritage. These re-enactments transport visitors back in time, allowing them to experience the country's intriguing past. One of the highlights is the demonstration of the Knights' Armoury, where visitors can witness the splendour and might of the knights who played a significant role in Maltese history.
The festival also offers a unique opportunity to explore Birgu's medieval architecture and fortified walls, which witnessed and withstood significant events such as the Great Siege of 1565. Visitors can wander through the candlelit streets and alleys, discovering the city's historical landmarks and immersing themselves in its past.
In addition to the Knights' Armoury demonstrations, BirguFest 2019 included re-enactments at Heritage Malta's sites. On Saturday, Fort St. Angelo was lit up with fjakkoli, creating a magical atmosphere. On Sunday, re-enactors brought history to life throughout the day, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the past first-hand.
The Inquisitor's Palace, with its charming Tudor-esque kitchens and sun-kissed courtyards, offers a glimpse into the Inquisitor's role as the spokesman for the Pope. The exhibition also addresses the darker side of the Inquisition, including torture and punishment for those who refused to conform to religious beliefs.
Through these historical re-enactments and demonstrations, BirguFest brings Malta's history to life, offering a unique and immersive cultural experience for both locals and visitors alike. It is a festival that celebrates the country's rich heritage and provides a memorable journey through time.
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Live performances
The Candle Festival in Malta, also known as BirguFest, is an annual event that takes place in the historic city of Birgu (Vittoriosa). The festival celebrates the rich history and culture of Malta, with the city being illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a mesmerizing and dreamlike atmosphere.
BirguFest offers a variety of live performances that showcase Maltese talent and entertain visitors. Here is what you can expect in terms of live performances during the festival:
- Musical Performances: The festival features live musical performances by local bands and artists. Visitors can enjoy a range of music genres, from traditional Maltese music to contemporary beats. The performances take place in various locations, including Birgu Main Square and other open-air venues, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
- Historical Re-enactments: One of the highlights of BirguFest is the historical re-enactments that bring Malta's rich history to life. Visitors can witness re-enactments of significant events, such as the Great Siege of 1565, and experience the city's past coming alive through interactive performances. Actors and performers dressed in period costumes add to the authenticity of these re-enactments.
- Theatrical Productions: Local theatre groups and performers present a range of theatrical productions during BirguFest. These performances showcase Maltese culture, history, and folklore. Visitors can enjoy open-air theatre under the starry sky, with the beautiful backdrop of the candlelit city.
- Interactive Demonstrations: The festival also includes interactive demonstrations as part of its live performances. Visitors can participate in and learn about traditional Maltese crafts, such as glassblowing or lace-making. There are also demonstrations of the Knights' Armoury, providing a glimpse into the city's medieval past.
- Cultural Shows: BirguFest celebrates Maltese cultural heritage through a variety of cultural shows. Visitors can expect traditional Maltese folk dances, music, and performances that showcase the island's diverse cultural influences. These shows are a colourful and lively aspect of the festival, often involving audience participation and engagement.
- Street Performances: Wander through the candlelit streets of Birgu and you might stumble upon street performers and buskers. From musicians to jugglers, acrobats to fire breathers, these spontaneous performances add to the magical atmosphere of the festival. Visitors can expect the unexpected as they explore the city, discovering talent around every corner.
BirguFest truly comes alive through its live performances, offering a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and history. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere, discovering Maltese talent and experiencing the vibrant spirit of the festival.
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Exhibitions
BirguFest, also known as the Candle Festival, will be held in Birgu, Malta, on 10-11 October 2025. During the festival, the city will be lit up by thousands of candles, with electric lights switched off, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
BirguFest offers a unique opportunity to explore Malta's heritage and the architectural beauty of Birgu, including its medieval architecture and historical landmarks. Here are some of the exhibitions and attractions that visitors can look forward to:
- Inquisitor's Palace: This exhibition showcases the Inquisitor's Palace, which served as the residence of the Inquisitor, the spokesman for the Pope. It displays great robes embroidered with purple and gold, as well as artefacts related to his staff, living quarters, and administrative duties. The exhibition also addresses the topic of torture and punishment, explaining the methods used to rehabilitate those who refused to conform to the Inquisition.
- Fort St. Angelo: During BirguFest, Fort St. Angelo will be open to visitors, with extended hours and reduced ticket prices. On Saturday, the fort will be magically lit up with "fjakkoli", creating a unique ambiance. Guided tours of the fort will be available in Maltese and English.
- Malta Maritime Museum: As part of BirguFest, the Malta Maritime Museum will offer discussions and events centred around the French Blockade of 1798-1800. This will provide visitors with insights into Malta's maritime history and the challenges faced during that period.
- Historical Re-enactments: The festival will feature re-enactments of significant events from Malta's past, including demonstrations of the Knights' Armoury. These performances will bring history to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the country.
- Local Crafts and Maltese Cuisine: BirguFest will also showcase a variety of local crafts, providing visitors with the opportunity to appreciate and purchase traditional Maltese artefacts. Additionally, there will be a selection of Maltese cuisine available, offering a taste of the country's culinary delights.
These exhibitions and attractions will be complemented by candlelit streets, concerts, music, art, and open public buildings, all contributing to the enchanting atmosphere of BirguFest.
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Maltese cuisine
Birgufest, Malta's Candle Festival, will be held on the 10th and 11th of October 2025. The festival will showcase the city of Birgu, transformed by the soft glow of thousands of candles, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in its narrow streets and medieval architecture.
Now, onto Maltese cuisine. The small island of Malta boasts a diverse food scene, with a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The country's history of occupation has resulted in a culinary culture shaped by various traditions.
One of the most significant dishes in Maltese cuisine is the traditional rabbit stew, known as 'stuffat tal-fenek'. This dish is considered Malta's national dish and is believed to have originated as a form of resistance to the hunting restrictions imposed by the Knights of St. John. After the restrictions were lifted in the late 18th century, rabbit breeding became common, and the dish gained popularity. It is typically served with pasta in a tomato-based sauce, slow-cooked with wine, garlic, and other ingredients.
Pork is also a prominent feature of Maltese cuisine, with dishes like grilled pork cuts, stuffed flank, and the indigenous Maltese sausage, 'zalzett tal-Malti', made from a mix of pork cuts and herbs. Pork is often added to vegetable soup, baked rice, and other dishes. This preference for pork may be due to Malta's position on the edge of the Christian world, as consuming pork is prohibited in Muslim culinary culture.
Malta also has some regional variations, especially with the island of Gozo, where you can find unique dishes like the Gozitan cheeselet ġbejna and ftira Għawdxija, a flatbread topped or filled with various ingredients, including potatoes, eggs, and Maltese sausage.
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Frequently asked questions
The candle festival in Malta, known as Birgufest, will take place on 10-11 October 2025.
During Birgufest, the city of Birgu will be illuminated by thousands of candles as electric lights are switched off. There will also be historical re-enactments, live performances, exhibitions, local crafts, and Maltese cuisine.
Birgu by Candlelight is the most breathtaking part of the festival, where the city is aglow with candles, creating a mesmerizing and dreamlike scene. Other notable sights include Fort St Angelo lit up with fjakkoli and the Inquisitor's Palace.
Yes, Heritage Malta's museums and sites in Birgu will offer extended hours and reduced ticket prices during BirguFest weekend. For €3, visitors can access Fort St Angelo, the Malta Maritime Museum, and the Inquisitor's Palace.
