Celebrations for Freedom Day 2026

Freedom Day commemorates the day Malta gained constitutional freedom and marked the closure of the British military base. On 31 March 1979, the last British ships left our country and Malta ceased to be used as a British military base. Freedom Day is an important chapter in Malta's history, which will be commemorated with the following ceremonies.

On Saturday 28th March at 11am, a parade will be held by the Armed Forces of Malta Band in St George's Square, Valletta. In this performance, the Armed Forces of Malta Band, led by Captain Twanny Borg, will perform several local compositions along with a number of marches during which various formations will be made by the same members of the Armed Forces of Malta Band. Towards the end of the Parade the Band will perform "Lil Malta f'Jum il-Ħelsien" by Mikis Theodorakis.

On Freedom Day, Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 9.30am, a march will begin from the Armed Forces of Malta Band from Pawlino Vassallo Square in Cospicua and will pass through Dom Mintoff Street to San Lawrenz Street in Vittoriosa, to the Freedom Monument.

The Armed Forces of Malta Band together with the Guard of Honour will welcome the highest authorities of the country including Her Excellency the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono, Prime Minister Robert Abela and Leader of the Opposition Alex Borg. The ceremony on Freedom Hill culminates at 10am when the President is given a national salute. Afterwards, the highest authorities together ascend Freedom Hill where the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta performs the Freedom Anthem. The fanfare is then played and flowers are laid on the same monument. The ceremony ends with the playing of the national anthem.

In the afternoon, the Traditional Regatta takes place in the Grand Harbour.