Lija became a parish in 1594, after the small community detached itself from the neighbouring town, Birkirkara.

[1] Lija is mostly known for its fireworks displays that attract thousands of locals and tourists during the festa period held in the first week of August.

This club has been promoted to Malta's Premier (highest) Division five times in its history, most recently in the 2020/21 season.

[citation needed] Considering the small size of the village and the resource and financial limitations, this was deemed to be a huge success by local sports enthusiasts.

British author Anthony Burgess, whose works include A Clockwork Orange, resided in Lija for three years (1968-1970).