Christmas in Malta? A great idea, for at least three very good reasons: the climate, which on this island in the heart of the Mediterranean usually remains pleasant even in December; the excellent cuisine, especially pastry; and the original shows the Maltese know how to put on during the holidays. In Malta, Christmas is above all about “pantos” or “pantomimes,” performances—both sacred and not sacred —to honor the most important event of the Christian year. If you’ve never seen pantos, try them this year! Simply land easily at Malta Airport (MLA) and travel around the island with Transfeero’s convenient, personalized transportation.
Christmas Pantomimes
Christmas pantomimes derive directly from British religious tradition, the same tradition that created medieval “mystery plays” and, from them, modern theater as we know it today. Representing events from the Bible, or the Gospel, has always been a tradition in the British Isles and, by extension, in their colonies and former colonies… like Malta.
During the Christmas season, various pantomimes are held on the island. Some have religious themes, others secular, some in English language, others in Maltese. The performance locations change each year. They often take place in the beautiful churches of the island of the Knights, but they can also take place in schools, universities, or theaters. Occasionally, given the favorable climate, pantos can even be held outdoors.
History of a Christmas Tradition
Born from the English legacy of the sacred play, the Christmas Pantomime in Malta has for years had a family feel. Relatives and friends would dress up as fairy tale characters to entertain children on Christmas Eve, creating a lively and moving waiting time.
Over the years, family pantomime has become professional. Today, it’s professional actors who dress up and stage fairy tales, stories, and events. And they perform in specially designed venues.
Pantos Rules
But how do Christmas pantomimes actually take place in Malta?
They usually take place from mid-December to early January, introduced by bizarre characters (men dressed as women, people masked as elves, pirates, etc.) who are meant to engage the audience in the actual performance. The show is usually a reenactment of a fairy tale or a sacred event, and features locals, amateur actors, and very often Maltese film and TV stars. The audience doesn’t just watch, they actively participate: they cheer on the characters, boo the villains, make suggestions, and, of course, applaud.
Each pantomime can include solidarity events such as fundraising, experiences for people with disabilities, and so on.
Besides Pantomimes: Malta’s churches
While children will be totally enthralled by the pantomimes, adults might want something more on their Maltese Christmas tour. In this case, they’ll be spoiled for choice. Malta is an island with a strong Christian tradition, and the churches, especially during Christmas, showcase their beauty in all their glory.
Between one pantomime and another, we suggest visiting the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral in the capital, Valletta. It shares the privilege of housing the Archdiocese of Malta with the actual cathedral, St. Paul’s, located in the town of Mdina. The latter is a rich 17th-century church, where marble and artwork combine to make it seem more like a museum than a place of worship. In St. John’s Co-Cathedral, as well, the richness of gold and stuccos adorns the chapels and naves in a way that leaves visitors breathless. In the crypt of St. John’s, in addition to the tombs of the Grand Masters of the Maltese Order, you will also find some masterpiece art works by Caravaggio.
In Valletta, you can also admire the splendid Anglican cathedral, also dedicated to St. Paul. Two churches not to be missed in Malta during the Christmas period are the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa… a fabulous 15th-century building built on a pre-existing rock church… and the “Rotunda”, located in the town of Mosta. This church with its original round plan, very reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon, was built in the 19th century and today boasts a dome with a diameter of 37 meters, the fourth largest in Europe and the ninth largest in the world.
