We Spent a Night in Birgu by Candlelight
Birgu townhouse decorated with candles
On Saturday (10th of October), Birgu turns off its lights and puts on thousands of candles.
- Fri 9/10/2026: Regular Birgufest • No Birgu by Candlelight • 6pm
- Sat 10/10/2026: Regular Birgufest + Birgu by Candlelight • 6pm
- Cost: Free access (or €3 for a combined ticket with access to Fort St. Angelo, Malta Maritime Museum and the Inquisitor's Palace which will all be open until late evening)
- Tip: Go by traditional dgħajsa or ferry from Valletta
- Sat 10/10 Transport: Shuttle services from the Lourdes stop in Paola to Birgu (18:00–21:00)
- Sat 10/10 Transport: Special return trips from the Café Riche stop in Birgu to Valletta (23:10–01:10)
Going to Birgu by Dghajsa
We came from the Valletta side and took the dghajsa (the ferry queues were too long!). Probably everyone in Valletta had the same after dinner plans ;-)
Most people were dressed classy and our group on the dghajsa looked as if all of us went to a summer wedding!
Our dghajsa dropped us off at St. Angelo Mansions because the usual stop was congested.
From here we walked along the Birgu waterfront towards St. Lawrence’s Collegiate Church.
Triq Il-Mina Kbira
Birgu house entrance with candles
Victoria Square
We walked up the steps next to the church that lead up to Victory Square. People had dinner at the restaurants and a live band performed.
The entire main street (Triq Il-Mina Kbira) was decorated with candles that were hanging in the air.
Read my blog about how to get from Valletta to the Three Cities!
Alleys
From here, we headed into the alleys. The most beautiful ones were probably Il-Lbic, Triq Pacifiku Scicluna, Il-Kwartier and Triq Hilda Tabone.
People opened their doors and we could look inside their beautiful townhouses. Many of them have placed candles in their hallway.
A few art galleries were open too. So we could experience some lovely paintings and crafts.
Nostalgic restaurant in Lbic
Alley decorated with candles
At some point we needed a break from the crowds and came back to Victory Square. We sat down at Cafe du Brazil, had a couple of drinks and watched the band play until late.
This night was magical. It’s been such a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere!
Remember: The candles will only be lit on Saturday evening (10/10/2026)! We’ll try to be there, so you might be bumping into us :-)
Malta Public Transport announcement from 8/10:
“We will be operating special and additional services for Birgufest on Saturday, 10 October 2026, including night trips to facilitate access to this cultural and historical event.
To meet the higher demand expected during this evening, we will be adding additional trips on Route 2 between Valletta and Birgu, thereby increasing the route’s frequency between 20:05 and 22:55 in both directions.
The special service will also feature special trips between the Café Riche stop in Birgu and Valletta, that will operate between 23:10 and 01:10 with buses departing Birgu every 15 minutes.
We will also be operating a shuttle service from the Lourdes stop in Paola to the Café Riche stop in Birgu every 20 minutes from 18:20 to 21:00.”
Author: Bjorn
Updated on 8/10/2026
