Music Tourism Trends as Katy Perry Takes Stage in Malta’s Isle of MTV Music Festival–and the Music is All Year-Round
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Katy Perry, has made her debut at Il-Fosos Square in Floriana, Malta, headlining in Europe’s largest free music festival, Isle of MTV 2026. Performing her new single Watch It Burn, along with several of her well known songs, Perry alongside many artists are encouraging tourists to travel for the universal language of music that is part of Malta's year-round music scene.
MUSIC IN MALTA
In Malta, the party never stops and visitors can find a wide range of day and night time activities to indulge in during their stay.
The Forward Motion on the Rock festival (9/24-28) features exciting and electric house beats in St. Paul’s Bay.
Travelers can enjoy the Pjazza Teatru Rjal Green Room’s Country Night (10/5) with the band Too Saturdays for those wanting a western and country atmosphere.
In early 2027, the Valletta Baroque Festival occurs from January 7 to January 24 where talented artists perform music from the 17th and 18th century by Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach at the Teatru Manoel.
MUSIC IN GOZO
Gozo, Malta’s sister island is also a great place to catch concerts such as:
The Levant: Gozo Music Festival is a free event happening September 11 with lively bands under the stars at Xewkija Square, Gozo.
Harmony Across Time on October 30 at the Gozo Cathedral plays the classical music of composer Antoine Merieca by soloists, a choir, and orchestra performing his Requiem in C Minor.
Tourists who wish to hear familiar tunes, with a 55-piece orchestra, two rock bands, an 18-piece backing choir, The Golden Age of ABBA & Boney M. will be rolled out on November 21 at the Teatru Tal-Opra Aurora for a nostalgic blend of two iconic groups.
AUTHENTIC MALTESE TRADITION- GĦANA FOLK MUSIC
Travelers that want to take in authentic Maltese storytelling through acoustic guitars and various singers of all generations to laugh, cry, and reminisce about the well-known and the personal tales of the Maltese people are welcomed to enjoy Malta Għana.
Għana is a type of folk singing that has been a part of Maltese culture dating back to the 16th century performed by għannejja, the name coined for singers who perform with a tight and controlled diaphragm, making Għana an acquired skill.
Għana includes three main types:
Tal-Fatt: a narrative driven ballad that recounts events or personal retellings
Spirtu Pront: a humorous improvised singing duel with two or more participants
Fil-Għoli: a high pitched type of singing that focuses less on the lyrics, but the style of the voice, making it unique to each performer.
Għana music events happen several times throughout the year, but a longstanding event that is recognised best for visitors is at San Duminku Church under the very capital of Malta, Valletta, with Folk Underground: Echoes of Maltese Songs Beneath the City starting from July 1 to October 28 sung and celebrated by upcoming and seasoned folk singers.
About Malta
With 300 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, MICHELIN-starred dining, and around 9,000 years of history, Malta is a destination of rare depth and diversity. Set in the heart of the Mediterranean, the sun-drenched islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino boast one of the world's most remarkable concentrations of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any nation-state. From luxury hotels and restored palazzos to a thriving arts and cultural scene, Malta seamlessly blends ancient history with contemporary Mediterranean living.
For more information VisitMalta.com.
