The oldest temple is said to date back to about 2800 BCE. The temples feature various Statues and reliefs of animals, including goats (for which Malta is noted for) and pigs. Most notable of the statues found in the Temples are about 2.5 m in height, and are said to represent a sort of Mother goddess. There are several of these statues scattered around the various temples, and are thought to represent Fertility.
Today, the village is inhabited by just over 8000 villagers. A key part of Tarxien culture is the feast of the Annunciation, a religious holiday celebrated in late May. It is celebrated with large Fireworks displays. When the summer comes, the heat drives most of the citizens of Tarxien to the seaside villages of Malta, often bringing down the population of the village to about two-thirds of what it is during the colder months.