Malta is celebrating Independence Day today, 21 September, marking 62 years since the country became an independent nation.
It was on 21 September 1964 that Malta formally gained independence from Britain, beginning a new chapter in the country’s history as a sovereign state. The Malta Independence Order established 21 September 1964 as the appointed day, with the Constitution of Malta coming into effect on the same date.
From Independence To The Malta We Know Today
Independence was a defining moment, but Malta’s constitutional journey did not end in 1964.
At independence, Malta remained a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Ten years later, on 13 December 1974, constitutional changes established Malta as a republic.
That distinction is why Malta commemorates Independence Day and Republic Day separately, alongside other national holidays that mark different chapters in the country’s history.
Malta Marks Its 62nd Anniversary
Independence Day remains one of Malta’s five national holidays and this year marks the 62nd anniversary of independence.
Official commemorations on Monday include a military march by the Armed Forces of Malta Band in Valletta, a national salute and Guard of Honour, followed by a Pontifical Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral.
The country’s highest authorities are also scheduled to lay flowers at the Independence Monument in Floriana, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The day’s programme concludes with the Independence Day Concert at the Manoel Theatre, featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
A Day To Celebrate Malta
More than six decades after independence, 21 September remains a date for remembering a major turning point in Malta’s modern history.
It is also a day to celebrate the country, its identity and the generations who have contributed to Malta’s story since 1964.
Happy Independence Day, Malta!
