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.

The Great Siege 1565

In 1565, Malta served as the base for the Hospitaller Order of St. John. The Order’s frequent attacks on Ottoman vessels and territories eventually provoked a large Ottoman fleet to arrive in Malta in May 1565. The Maltese inhabitants quickly took refuge in the few existing fortifications, primarily Fort St. Elmo, Birgu, Senglea, and Mdina. 

The Ottoman forces began their assault on Fort St. Elmo, which, despite intense bombardment, managed to hold out almost for a month. After the fall of St. Elmo, the Ottomans redirected their efforts towards Fort St. Angelo, Birgu, and Senglea. Although a small contingent of reinforcements arrived in July, it was the arrival of the Gran Soccorso, a major relief force, on September 8 that ultimately forced the Ottomans to lift the siege. This victory paved the way for the construction of a new fortified city, Valletta.

The French Blockade 1798-1800

The summer of 1798 was to see a massive French fleet arriving in front of Malta. This was Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt, and he wanted to have a secure base in the Mediterranean due to the hostilities against Britain. Napoleon asked to have his fleet enter the harbour of Malta, something that was against international law. Being refused entry, Napoleon ordered the invasion of Malta. Within a couple of days, the Grand Master surrendered to the French Republican Army.

During his brief 7-day stay in Malta, Napoleon sought to introduce several reforms and limit the influence of the Roman Catholic Church on the island. However, these changes quickly sparked discontent among the Maltese population. Tensions reached a breaking point on September 2, when an auction of church valuables provoked outrage. The resulting unrest turned violent, and the French commander, who came out to address the commotion, was killed. This incident marked the beginning of a blockade, with Maltese forces besieging the French troops who had retreated into the fortifications surrounding the Valletta harbours.

The Maltese sought assistance from the King of Naples, who, in turn, called upon the British Navy stationed in the Bay of Naples. The maritime blockade was enforced by the British and Portuguese navies, while Maltese forces maintained a land siege against the French troops. After two years of resistance following the Maltese uprising, the French finally surrendered on September 5, 1800.

World War Two 1940-1943

When Italy declared war on the Allies in 1940, Malta, serving as a key British naval base, quickly caught itself in hostilities. Just hours later, on June 11, Malta endured its first aerial assault, marking the beginning of an unrelenting bombing campaign that would bring significant hardship to the island’s population throughout World War II. Casualties and destruction mounted, while critical shortages of food, ammunition and fuel left Malta’s defences in a perilous state. 

Several convoys were dispatched to bring vital supplies to Malta, though many failed to reach the island’s harbours due to constant attacks. In 1942, Operation Pedestal was launched as a final, desperate attempt to deliver essential resources before a potential surrender. This convoy, consisting of 14 transport ships and 44 warships, departed from Gibraltar, facing continuous Axis attacks by air and sea along its journey. Many ships were lost, but five transport vessels, including the fuel-laden SS Ohio, ultimately made it to Malta. On August 15, 1942—coinciding with the religious feast of the Assumption of Our Lady—the SS Ohio entered Grand Harbour, leading the Maltese to refer to this convoy as the "Santa Marija Convoy."

King George VI awarded Malta the George Cross in recognition of the courage and resilience of its people, an honour that was later incorporated into the Maltese national flag.