Our Story
1942
Victory
Day
Recalls the end of three historical sieges made on the Maltese archipelago – the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire ending in 1565; the Siege of Valletta by the French Blockade ending in 1800; and the Siege of Malta during the Second World War by the Axis forces ending in 1942.
1565 - 1800 - 1942
1964
Independence
Day
Celebrates the day the country gained independence
from the United Kingdom
21 September 1964
1974
Republic
Day
celebrates the anniversary of the creation of the Republic of Malta in 1974, and the ending of the role of Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta, under which Sir Anthony Mamo, the last Governor-General, was sworn in as the first President. British troops did not leave the country until 31 March 1979.
13 December 1974
Our Nation
Our Story
VICTORY
Commemorating Victory Day
Victory Day is a national holiday in Malta, honoring three pivotal sieges in the islands' history. During each of these sieges, hundreds of Maltese sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland, displaying a bravery that has since become legendary. Spanning three distinct historical periods, these sieges were transformative events, each leading to significant political and social shifts for Malta.
The official Victory Day ceremony takes place at the national monument of the Great Siege, located in Great Siege Square just off Republic Street in Valletta. Originally erected to honorthe 1565 victory in the Great Siege, this monument has since come to represent all three significant events commemorated on this day.
The ceremony in front of the Great Siege monument is attended by the Prime Minister of Malta and senior government officials. A distinguished guest, selected by the Prime Minister, delivers a speech reflecting on the hardships endured by past generations as well as the progress Malta has made. Following the speech, wreaths are laid in honour of those who defended the nation. This tradition began in 1927, during the inauguration of the monument.
After a break during World War Two, the ceremony started to be held once again, and Malta's national poet, Dun Karm Psaila, was chosen to be the first speaker. The event, nowadays,concludes with the playing of the national anthem.
On the eve of Victory Day, a Pontifical Mass led by the Archbishop of Malta is held in one of the parishes dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady, also known as Our Lady of Victory. The four main parishes with this dedication are Mellieha, Naxxar, Senglea, and Xaghra (Gozo). Additionally, several smaller churches share this dedication and join in celebrating this significant religious and national day.
On September 8, the President of Malta and the Chairman of the National Feasts Committee lay flowers at the Great Siege monument in Valletta, followed by a parade by the Armed Forces of Malta. Wreaths are then placed on the graves of Great Siege victims at Fort Saint Angelo, the Victory monument in Vittoriosa, the Monument of Victories in Senglea, and the graves of World War II victims in Addolorata Cemetery. In the afternoon, the traditional rowing boat competition, known as the Regatta, takes place in the Grand Harbour.
Victory
Day
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