We might not have the typical White Christmas here in Malta, but the Islands still overflow with festivity and cheer each year. Local Christmas lovers take certain traditions rather seriously, but wholeheartedly enjoy all of them (and rightly so).
Here are some local traditions that make a Maltese Christmas, a Maltese Christmas…
The Vetches
Otherwise known as ġulbiena, these are seeds that grow into a hairy, white shrub, often used for decoration.
Your nanna probably grows several of these under her wardrobe in November, and then places them around baby Jesus in December.
The Nativity Crib (Presepju)
This is quite the tradition for Maltese people, and you’ll find nativity cribs everywhere – in houses, shops, schools and even in public areas. Your family is also likely to have quite the collection of figurines (pasturi) that are treated like precious gems.
They even hold competitions for this… some have a functioning water system and some are even made out of chocolate! (and no, I’m not joking)
Christmas Carbs
It’s no secret that we take Christmas lunch pretty religiously here. And the big feast has to, of course, start with some carb-galore-induced first course.
This is typically a classic timpana or yummy lasagne followed by, as expected, even more food.
The Sweet Treats
One dessert after Christmas lunch? Nope. Not the Maltese way to do it. The best thing about dessert on a Maltese Christmas is that you have options to choose from (and lots of them).
From treacle rings (Qagħaq tal-Għasel), to minced pies, Christmas log, puddina tal-millied and even coconut balls; there’s always something to suit everyone’s sweet tooth on Christmas.
Lights Everywhere
Christmas in Malta isn’t Christmas until you’re blinded by blinking decorative lights literally everywhere you go.
Lights are hung up in the streets, on balconies, around windows and even on outdoor plants – some have a soft glow…but other lights flash so frequently that they can be quite the distraction when driving.
Poinsettia
Your mother or nanna probably buy this floral plant to put all around the house for Christmas.
Whether they choose the red flowers or the white ones, these big beautiful flowers always bring along a sense of festivity with a sense of class into our joyful Christmas.
Midnight Mass
Okay, let’s face it; we were all probably unwillingly dragged to a midnight mass on Christmas Eve by our family, at least once in our lives.
And if you behaved well, you were likely to get an imbuljata tal-qastan (a hot drink made of chestnut and chocolate).
What’s your favourite Maltese tradition on Christmas?
