The Feast of the Assumption, also known as the feast of ‘Santa Maria’, is celebrated every year on the peak of the summer and marks the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary. Santa Maria is celebrated on the 15th of August, which is also a national public holiday in 7 towns and villages across Malta and Gozo. This is one of the most famous festivities in Malta, which includes celebrations in the different villages and a spectacular display of fireworks.