Floriana has more public gardens than any other town in Malta, and once a year it puts them in the spotlight with Ġenna ta’ Ġonna, roughly “a heaven of gardens”. For the 2026 edition the weekend falls on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, which makes it an easy, relaxed outing just outside the Valletta gates.
What is on this year
Two parts of the 2026 programme are confirmed so far:
- Eco Market – Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm, along Vjal ir-Re Edwardu VII and the garden area. Expect local makers selling eco-friendly and handmade products, from natural soaps and plants to upcycled crafts. Entry is free.
- Għannejja Ġodda (New Singers) – Sunday 18 October, 10:30am to 11:30am at the Mall. Young singers perform Maltese għana, the island’s traditional sung folk poetry, as part of the Festgħana fil-Ħarifa autumn festival.
In past editions the weekend also included open gardens, vintage bus tours and a local council stand with free heritage trail guides. We could not confirm whether these extras return in 2026, so treat them as a bonus if you find them.
Tips for visitors
- Combine it with a garden walk: the Mall, the Argotti Botanic Gardens and the Sir Luigi Preziosi Gardens above the Granaries are all within a few minutes on foot.
- Sunday morning is the liveliest moment, with the għana performance and the Floriana Sunday market close by.
- Bring a reusable bag and some cash, as not every stall takes cards.
- Most paths are flat and buggy-friendly, and there is shade under the trees on the Mall.
The same weekend is busy across Malta, with the Rolex Middle Sea Race start in Grand Harbour on Saturday and In Guardia at Fort St Elmo on Sunday, both a short walk away.
How to get there
Floriana is right next to the Valletta bus terminus, so almost every bus route on the island will drop you within a five-minute walk. Parking is tight on weekends; the Floriana Park and Ride or the MCP car park near the Valletta bus station are the easiest options. Programme details can change, so check the organisers’ pages on the day, and see Malta This Week for weather and other plans, or browse all upcoming events in Malta.