Roman Catholiism plays a big role in Malta. They say there is a church for nearly every day of the year - which is pretty amazing considering the island is only 17 miles long and 9 miles wide. Even local parish churches are stunningly opulent inside; gilded, with awesome statues, paintings and iconography, and always incredibly clean.

Festa happens in every village across Malta between May and September. For one week the streets are decorated with garlands, lights, and flags; the statue of the local saint is paraded around town with bands playing, noisy bangers, and food and drink stalls. It’s like a week-long street party and the highlight of the local social calendar.

On the last night the statue is taken back into the church and there is an epic firework display. There are fierce competitions between villages for the best fireworks and you can’t move in summer without hearing and seeing colourful explosions somewhere on the skyline. As a child, my Mum took me every year to our local festa at Sacro Cuor in Sliema, where I later got married. I’d hang out of the upper balcony of Nanna’s house throwing confetti as the parade went past. All the family would be there; my mum had 8 siblings so it was busy, and absolutely joyous. Festa is a special time for family and community to come together.