ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Culture of Malta

Malta is a small island country with a unique culture all its own. Imagine going on a very special trip to a new place, where you get to learn about how people live, what they eat, how they celebrate, and what they believe. That’s what exploring the culture of Malta is all about!

People in Malta are very friendly and welcoming. They love to have fun and enjoy spending time with each other. Most people in Malta speak two languages - Maltese and English. That’s because Malta used to be a British colony. Today, Malta is an independent country, but it still has a lot of British influence in areas like food, music, and even the way people dress sometimes.

One thing that makes Malta special is its history. There have been many different groups of people who have lived on this island over the years, from ancient times to now. That means there are lots of interesting things to see, like old castles and temples, and many different beliefs to explore.
One example is the famous Maltese feastivals! Each town or village in Malta has its own feast and celebration for their patron saint, which is a really special time for the locals. This is a time to dress up in traditional costumes, eat special foods, and watch or participate in processions and fireworks.

Another important part of Maltese culture is food. Maltese people love to eat! Some of their traditional dishes include rabbit stew, pastizzi (a kind of pastry filled with cheese or meat), and ġbejniet (a type of cheese made from goat’s or sheep’s milk). They also love sweet treats like figolli (a type of almond cake) and imqaret (a type of date pie).

Finally, Malta has a very strong sense of community. People here really care about their families and friends, and they love to spend time together. They have a very special way of showing respect to others, which is called "żfinix" in Maltese. It's a quality that is highly valued in the Maltese society.

So, in short, there are lots of amazing things to discover in Maltese culture – from the language to history, feasts to food. If you ever get a chance to visit Malta, make sure to take in all its unique and fascinating way of life!