If you missed the big summer festas, Gudja gives you one last chance. On Sunday 25th October 2026 this small village in the south of Malta celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Consolation, known locally as Il-Madonna taċ-Ċintura (Our Lady of the Girdle). It is traditionally held on the last Sunday of October and is widely seen as the feast that closes the Maltese festa season, so locals often call it the final festa of the year.
What to expect
This is a village feast, not a tourist show, and that is exactly its charm. In the days before the Sunday, streets around the parish church are usually dressed with banners, lights and statues, and the church interior is decorated for the occasion. Sunday is the main day, with a solemn Mass and, in the evening, the procession with the statue of Our Lady carried through the streets, often with a band playing along. Expect families out in their best clothes, nougat stalls and a relaxed, friendly crowd.
The detailed 2026 programme (exact times for Mass, the procession and any band marches or fireworks) had not been published when we wrote this, so check with the parish or local notices in Gudja closer to the day. Attending is free.
- When: Sunday 25 October 2026 (main day), with preparations in the days before
- Where: Gudja village core, around the parish church
- Entry: free
- Times: not yet confirmed for 2026
Tips for visitors
The evening procession is the highlight, so plan to arrive before sunset and find a spot along the route. Note that clocks in Malta go back one hour in the early hours of the same Sunday, so it will get dark earlier than you might expect. Bring a light jacket, as late October evenings can turn cool. Gudja is only a short drive from the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, so you could pair the feast with the Sunday fish market there – see our guide to things to do in Marsaxlokk.
How to get there
Gudja sits right next to Malta International Airport, so it is easy to reach by bus from Valletta and the airport area. If you drive, expect closed streets in the centre during the procession and park on the edge of the village, then walk in. Heading into the colder months? Our Malta in November guide covers what comes next, and Malta This Week keeps the latest plans in one place.