The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck: blending history, faith, and community into a celebration
On February 10th, Malta celebrates St. Paul’s Shipwreck, a national holiday marking the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck on the island around A.D. 60. This event is deeply significant, with religious ceremonies and various festivities centered around St. Paul’s Shipwreck Parish in Valletta, located near Iniala Harbour House.
According to the Bible, Paul was being transported to Rome when his ship, carrying 274 people, was wrecked off Malta. Miraculously, all aboard survived. One of the most famous miracles occurred when Paul was bitten by a venomous snake while gathering firewood but remained unharmed. This convinced many locals to convert to Christianity. Though the exact site of the shipwreck is unknown, St. Paul’s Bay is considered the most likely location. Today, it is a popular area with churches and shrines dedicated to St. Paul. Paul also healed the father of Publius, the Roman governor, leading to Publius’ conversion and role as Malta’s first bishop. This is marked by the Mdina Cathedral, built on the site of Publius’ house. Paul is believed to have spent the winter in St. Paul’s Grotto near Rabat, where he began spreading Christianity. Divers in the 1960s even discovered anchors, thought to be from Paul’s ship, linking the story to Malta’s history.
St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church in Valletta, built in the 1570s, is central to the feast celebrations. The church houses a statue of St. Paul, paraded through the streets of Valletta on the feast day as part of a centuries-old tradition honoring Paul’s legacy. This year, Iniala Harbour House is proud to support the Church of St. Paul in Valletta with a donation to help fund the celebrations and street decorations for the feast on the 10th of February. We are committed to preserving the traditions that honour Malta’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
The day is marked by lively street processions, traditional music, and local food stalls. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Valletta, where the streets are adorned with festive decorations and religious imagery. Keep in mind that since it’s a national holiday, some shops and services may be closed or operating with reduced hours. Public transport may also experience changes, and crowds around the church and main procession routes can be large.
The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is a reminder of the apostle’s lasting impact on Malta, blending history, faith, and community into a celebration that continues to resonate with the island today. For guests staying at Iniala Harbour House, it’s an excellent opportunity to witness and experience the rich traditions of Malta’s religious and cultural heritage. If you are interested in joining us to celebrate the feast in 2026, contact our guest experience team to curate your stay.
