May is a fantastic time to visit Malta, offering a mix of cultural celebrations and outdoor adventures. The island comes alive with a variety of events catering to different interests – from historical performances and religious celebrations to thrilling obstacle races and lively music festivals. 

In this vibrant setting, ST Hotels Malta emerges as the top choice for accommodation in Sliema, Malta, providing a comfortable and memorable experience. Located close to all the key events, we have a number of hotels and apartments, such as ST Valletta View, ST Alavits Hotel, Bayview Hotel & SPA, Blubay Apartments, Sliema Hotel and the Azur Hotel.

These are ideally situated for guests to fully enjoy Malta’s May 2024 festivities. 

Whether it’s experiencing historical reenactments, enjoying lively local feasts, or participating in athletic events, ST Hotels offers the perfect base to explore all that Malta has to offer this spring.

This guide will take you through five activities you shouldn’t miss in Malta in May 2024, ensuring a memorable trip for every kind of traveller.

St. Joseph the Worker Feast (May 1)

The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker is a significant celebration in Malta, showing the island’s strong Catholic beliefs and the community’s enthusiasm for faith and festivities. This event is especially important in places like Birkirkara, where it combines religious respect with lively cultural activities, showcasing the Maltese tradition of celebration. 

The celebration begins with Masses dedicated to St. Joseph, attracting many people who come to honour and pray for the saint’s help. The air in Birkirkara buzzes with excitement as the town is adorned with intricate decorations, banners, and lights, creating a spectacle of colours that enlivens the streets and hearts of the community.

The highlight of the feast is the procession with the statue of St. Joseph. It is carried through the streets with great care and respect, alongside music from local bands playing joyful marches. The smell of traditional Maltese dishes fills the air, and the evening is capped off with impressive fireworks. These elements bring together both locals and visitors in a celebration of happiness and faith.

The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker not only honours the patron saint of workers but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage and communal bonds that define Malta’s identity, making it a highlight of the island’s annual festa calendar.

In Guardia Parade (15 May)

The In Guardia Parade is a magnificent event at Fort St. Elmo that offers a peek into the island’s rich military past. Around 50 reenactors from the Malta Tourism Authority take part, wearing historical costumes. They perform military drills and exercises that were once routine in the major fortifications of Malta. The parade recreates the historical inspections done by the Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St John, showing how the garrison prepared for military threats.

The performance lasts about 40 minutes and lets visitors watch the re-enactment and also explore the upper part of Fort St. Elmo. This engaging experience showcases the pride and skill of Malta’s historical military forces, offering an interesting look at history for both locals and tourists. The In Guardia Parade is an event not to be missed by anyone interested in history, culture, and military traditions.

The Grid Classic (25 May)

The Grid Classic 2024 is an exciting obstacle race happening in the beautiful area of Pembroke, Malta. This race invites people to overcome more than 30 obstacles along a route filled with stunning views. The path goes through varied landscapes like rocky areas, cliffs, and beaches, ending with a thrilling 3-storey jump into the sea. It’s designed for both individuals and teams, challenging participants’ strength, speed, and stamina with both natural and built obstacles.

Racers will climb walls, cross trenches, and tackle tough obstacles that test both mind and body. Completing this gruelling athletic challenge brings not only a great feeling of achievement but also offers breathtaking views of Malta’s coast, including a special chance to do a classic cliff dive into the Mediterranean Sea.

This 10km race is a celebration of fitness, fun, and the great outdoors, suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a newcomer seeking an exciting challenge, the Grid Classic is an event you shouldn’t miss! 

In.di.go Weekender (25-26 May)

If you’re more of a party animal, you’ll probably be interested in a special collaboration that music lovers and night owls alike won’t want to miss. 

In.di.go is hosting an unforgettable two-day event in partnership with Amsterdam’s Vault Sessions. This fusion of sound and spirit kicks off at Gianpula, promising a weekend filled with relentless rhythms and high energy.

With a lineup boasting 10 artists and offering 25 hours of music, attendees are in for a treat. The roster includes notable talents such as VSC, Chontane, Olivia Mendez, Lars Huismann, Cleric, Patient, Gordon Flash, Muski, Budg, and STK. This event is a perfect way to dive into the summer in.di.go 2024 season, surrounded by the thriving community of music enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the vibrant nightlife Malta has to offer, this weekend at Gianpula Village is poised to be the highlight of your May adventures in Malta.

If you encounter legal issues while spending your nightlife in Malta, you can always contact a local attorney who will explain to you the local rules and laws.

The Great Outdoors

May is an excellent time to explore Malta’s outdoors, as the island is full of life and colour, with perfect weather before it gets too hot in summer. During this month, Malta offers many activities for those who love nature and being outside.

Hiking trails become particularly appealing in May, with routes such as those at Dingli Cliffs, Wied Babu valley, or the coastal paths in Gozo, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the chance to discover secluded beaches and ancient ruins. The mild weather is also great for kayaking or paddle boarding in Malta’s clear waters, where you can explore hidden coves and sea caves that you can’t get to by walking.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, having a picnic in one of Malta’s green gardens or nature reserves, such as Buskett Gardens or Majjistral Park, is a peaceful way to spend time surrounded by nature. For bird enthusiasts, May is an exciting month because it’s the migration season, and you can see many different bird species visiting the islands.

Whether you want to actively discover Malta’s landscapes or just enjoy the beauty of its nature in a relaxed way, May is the perfect month to experience the outdoors in Malta for all kinds of visitors.