Maltese nationals are known to be very warm and hospitable people. As the country has become a top destination over the years, they are very welcoming toward expatriates, especially when these seem keen on discovering their culture. In general, people in Malta are very sociable and close to their families. Hence, they are likely to welcome you into their homes and their lives. As this is a Mediterranean culture, gathering for food and celebrations is quite common!
Malta has seen many changes recently with an influx of new arrivals interested in a better climate and the island lifestyle. This diversity brings many positive changes, but it can also make it a bit harder to feel like you're involved in real, local Maltese culture.
Family and friends
Mediterranean culture has a considerable influence over the Maltese population. People do not miss a single opportunity for getting together and celebrating festivals that are held all year round.
Weekends are devoted to time spent with family and friends in Malta. Locals often get together for a barbecue, particularly at the beach. Beaches tend to be rather crowded at night and during weekends, primarily during the peak tourist summer season.
Malta is known for being a safe and secure country where the crime rate is very low. You can, therefore, enjoy a peaceful and serene atmosphere in a mild and pleasant climate, along with your family and friends, day or night.
Everyday life in Malta
As is common in warmer climes, the day starts early for most Maltese and residents. It is not uncommon for a workday to begin at 7am. On the other hand, roads are rather deserted come night time, except in more popular cities that boast a more dynamic nightlife.
Summer is the season of fiestas in Malta. Villages will often celebrate their respective saints in high spirits along with fireworks displays, bunting, decorations on their village church, and other activities. You won't want to miss these colourful celebrations!
Life in Gozo
The neighbouring island of Gozo is more rural and greener than its bigger sister island of Malta. It is much more peaceful and tranquil with the occupants enjoying a much more laidback way of life. Many retirees seek out a quiet life in Gozo instead of Malta. Something to keep in mind if you're working is that there are not as many job opportunities there, and many Gozitans (people from Gozo) commute to Malta via the ferry for work.
Religion in Malta
Malta is a traditionally Catholic country, with 97% of the local population calling themselves Catholic. It is, in fact, the State religion, which is also why the calendar is filled with religious festivals, some of which are public holidays.
However, younger generations have been pushing a much more socially progressive culture than was traditionally acceptable in Malta. For example, divorce was illegal in Malta until 2011, when the population voted in a referendum to legalise divorce. Since that time, same-sex civil unions were legalised in 2013 and same-sex marriages in 2017.
Malta is an open and multicultural country, so you will also find people practicing their own faiths and traditions with absolute freedom.
Languages in Malta
Maltese is not only a nationality but a language as well. In fact, it is the official language bearing a huge historical legacy.
Maltese is a mixture of Arabic, Italian, Sicilian, French, and English, which can make for quite a difficult language to learn. But rest assured! English is widely spoken across the archipelago and is the common language among the diverse population. Knowledge of Italian is also very helpful.
Landscapes in Malta
Malta's diverse landscape is a real treasure. These arid islands are green in spring but quite dry throughout the rest of the year, making for a rocky backdrop to most vistas.
Many movies such as Gladiator, Troy, Midnight Express, and more recently, a few scenes from Game of Thrones, have been shot in Malta. The diversity of topography makes it easy for film crews to cover a variety of scenes in a small location.
Local cuisine in Malta
As Sicily is quite close to Malta, it has strongly influenced the Maltese cuisine. But local cuisine is also mixed with British cuisine, as Malta is a former British colony.
Finally, the local cuisine is rich in fish and seafood, given its location. You'll love exploring the variety of local cuisine and sample the many options available.
Education in Malta
If you are thinking of moving to Malta with children, you should know that education is compulsory for children aged five to 16 years old. Public schools are free of charge, but many locals prefer to enrol their children in Catholic or private schools.
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