The traditional New Year’s Day greetings between dignitaries will be held on the eve, not on January 1, following a request by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Times of Malta has learnt.

On Dr Muscat’s initiative, talks were held to exchange the traditional New Year’s Day greetings on a different day. The Prime Minister stressed that the first day of the new year should be spent with the family, a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister said.

As a result, agreement was reached so that the exchanges take place on New Year’s Eve instead. The time has not yet been established.

The country’s leaders, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, MPs, the Chief Justice and a delegation from the judiciary and other dignitaries such as the Archbishop, the Police Commissioner and representatives of civil society usually gather at the Palace in Valletta to exchange greetings.

Trade union representatives are usually involved as well.

The greetings then move to the Archbishop’s Palace in Valletta where dignitaries usually call on Archbishop Paul Cremona. This event will also take place on December 31.

The President and the Prime Minister are expected to welcome members of the public at the Palace and Auberge de Castille respectively.