Good morning Malta, and happy Victory Day!
Malta is marking Victory Day, or Jum il-Vitorja, today, 8 September, bringing together centuries of history with national commemorations, traditional festas and one of the country’s best-known sporting traditions.
The national holiday commemorates important moments in Malta’s past, while 8 September also coincides with the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, known locally as Il-Bambina.
Why does Malta celebrate Victory Day?
The date is associated with three major chapters in Malta’s history: the end of the Great Siege in 1565, the end of the French occupation in 1800 and Italy’s armistice during the Second World War in 1943.
These events have helped make 8 September one of the most significant dates on the Maltese calendar.
Il-Bambina festas across Malta and Gozo
The day also carries an important religious and community tradition through the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady.
Festas are being celebrated today in Mellieħa, Naxxar and Senglea, as well as Xagħra in Gozo.
Victory Day commemorations
Official commemorations are taking place throughout the morning, beginning in Valletta with a march by the Armed Forces of Malta Contingent and Band at 9:05am.
A pontifical Mass follows at St John’s Co-Cathedral at 9:30am, while wreath-laying ceremonies and commemorations are also taking place at locations connected to Malta’s military history.
These include the Great Siege Monument, Addolorata Cemetery, Fort St Angelo, Senglea and Birgu.
The Regatta takes over the Grand Harbour
Another much-loved Victory Day tradition returns to the Grand Harbour today, with the Regatta getting underway from 11am.
Traditional Maltese rowing boats will take to the water as crews compete for their localities, combining sporting rivalry with a tradition closely associated with the harbour communities.
From history and faith to festa celebrations and rowing on the Grand Harbour, 8 September remains a day when different parts of Maltese identity come together.
Happy Victory Day, Malta!
