Malta International Fireworks Festival 2025: Explosions, Competition and a Few Late Nights

If there’s one thing Malta does exceptionally well—aside from sunshine, history, and making you rethink your ability to drive on narrow streets—it’s fireworks.

And when it comes to fireworks, the Malta International Fireworks Festival is the big one. This week-long spectacle (22nd–30th April 2025) will see over 85 teams from Malta and beyond setting the skies ablaze in a battle of pyrotechnic brilliance.

Expect carefully choreographed displays, pyromusical precision, and the occasional "oh wow" moment as international and local teams try to outdo each other. Whether you're a fireworks fanatic or just looking for an excuse to enjoy a warm Maltese evening with a drink in hand, here's what you need to know.

A Festival Built on Malta’s Obsession with Fireworks

Malta’s love affair with fireworks isn’t new. If you’ve ever been here during festa season, you’ll know that every small town and village seems to have its own personal stockpile of rockets, shells, and enough gunpowder to make a medieval army jealous.

Historically, fireworks have been used to mark religious feasts, weddings, and just about any occasion that calls for a bit of spectacle. The island's fireworks factories—run by dedicated (and slightly fearless) pyrotechnic experts—have perfected the craft over generations, and today, Maltese fireworks displays are among the best in the world.

The Malta International Fireworks Festival was set up to showcase this long-standing tradition, while also bringing in international teams to spice up the competition. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and, let’s be honest, friendly bragging rights.

When & Where? 2025 Festival Schedule

This year’s festival will be spread across four nights in two different locations:

📍 22nd April – Grand Harbour, Valletta (Opening Night)
📍 25th April – Grand Harbour, Valletta (Competition Night)
📍 26th April – Nadur, Gozo (Celebration Night, in collaboration with the Gozo Ministry)
📍 30th April – Grand Harbour, Valletta (Grand Finale & 21st Anniversary of Malta’s EU Membership)

What’s New for 2025?

This year’s festival is adding a brand-new element: live performances from Maltese band clubs.

If you’ve ever been to a Maltese festa, you’ll know that these bands are loud, lively, and absolutely essential to the atmosphere. For the first time, they’ll be performing as part of the fireworks festival, adding an extra layer of energy and tradition to the event.

And if that’s not enough to tempt you, the final night on 30th April promises a "surprise" performance—a blend of pyrotechnics and cutting-edge technology. No one knows exactly what this means yet, but given the Maltese reputation for going big, it’s safe to assume it won’t be subtle.

Who’s Defending Their Title? Last Year’s Winners

Competition at this festival is fierce. Every team wants to leave a lasting impression (and possibly a bit of ringing in your ears).

The top teams from 2024 were:

🥇 1st Place – Għaqda tan-Nar, Kerċem
🥈 2nd Place – St. Andrew’s Band Fireworks Factory, Luqa
🥉 3rd Place – Sezzjoni Zgħazagħ Pawlini, Munxar

Will Kerċem hold onto their crown in 2025? Or will another team steal the spotlight (and the silverware)?

Where to Watch for the Best Experience

If you're planning to catch the fireworks in Valletta, you’ll want to get there early—especially on the final night when crowds will be at their peak.

Some prime viewing spots include:

• Upper Barrakka Gardens – Elevated views over Grand Harbour.
• Valletta Waterfront – A great mix of restaurants, bars, and a front-row seat to the action.
• Senglea Waterfront – Ideal if you want to avoid the Valletta crowds while still getting a stunning view.

For the Gozo event in Nadur, head to the main square, where the atmosphere will be buzzing with locals and visitors alike.

Why You Should Go

Let’s be honest, a fireworks festival in Malta pretty much sells itself. But if you need a few extra reasons:

🎆 It’s Free – Yes, a world-class fireworks festival with no entry fee. Hard to argue with that.
🎵 Live Music & Entertainment – With band clubs joining the lineup, the atmosphere will be better than ever.
🌍 Local & International Teams – Meaning you’ll see a mix of traditional Maltese craftsmanship and global pyrotechnic innovation.
🍹 It’s a Great Excuse for a Night Out – Warm evenings, fireworks, and a few drinks with friends? Sounds like a solid plan.

The Malta International Fireworks Festival 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events on the island's calendar. Whether you’re a fireworks nerd, a festival regular, or just looking for a memorable way to spend an evening, this is one event that delivers every time.

So, pick your night, grab your viewing spot, and get ready for an unforgettable show.

Put On Your Own Epic Fireworks Display

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