Significance of Victory Day in Malta and how to celebrate it

With its history of invasions and imperial rule, here is all you must know about the history of Malta and the stages of struggle it has witnessed.

Did you know that a Turkish fleet led by Suleiman the Magnificent besieged the Knights of the Order of St John for almost three months?

Yes, the infamous Battle of St Elmo was brutal and bloody, with the Turks finally taking the Maltese fort. After the battle was over the Turks to demoralise the Knights further sent five wooden crosses floating across the harbour towards St Angelo each with the headless body of a Knight who had died bravely.

The Knights’ leader Grand Master La Valette (after whom the capital city of Valletta is named) responded by executing all his Turkish prisoners and firing their heads back at the Turkish lines as cannonballs. Eventually, help arrived from Sicily. The Knights retook St Elmo, and the Ottomans were defeated. At the time it was thought that no moment of pain or glory could match the fight against the Turks – until Malta’s second Great Siege in 1940.

Napoleon thought he needed Malta to execute his plans for British influence in the Mediterranean and Egypt.

He decided to invade the island in 1800 and left for Egypt one week later. The Maltese were furious at the looting of their palaces and the imposition of French as the island’s official language overnight.

They resisted the French garrison left behind and asked for outside help from Britain and Naples. Admiral Lord Nelson and the King of Naples sent ships to blockade Valletta. The French held out in the city for two months and eventually surrendered when their bread stock was reduced to three days’ supply. The British flag was raised over Malta on 5th September 1800.

In 1940 Mussolini launched Operation Hercules – an invasion and occupation of the Maltese Islands. Churchill was adamant that Malta had to be held at all costs. And the Germans knew the strength of Malta’s position too. As the Allies advanced in North Africa and Italy suffered setbacks in Greece, Hitler turned his attention to the Mediterranean.

He wanted to cut the lifeline and starve the Maltese Islands into submission. He also subjected Malta to the heaviest aerial bombardment in its history. In March and April 1942, twice as many tons of bombs fell on Malta as in a whole year during the London Blitz. There were 154 days of continuous day and night raids (London had 57), and 6,700 tons of bombs fell on the Grand Harbour area (Coventry’s worst night was 260 tons). During this time King George VI awarded the islands the George Cross in recognition of their people’s bravery.

British ships struggled to get supplies to the island under heavy attack from German planes, but a convoy got through and arrived just two weeks before Malta would have had to surrender. Strengthened at last Malta got a breather as the Axis powers retreated in Africa. The Maltese Islands became the Allied springboard for the invasion of Sicily – and the push into Europe. The Italian fleet surrendered on 8th September 1943 – the same day as the anniversary of the victory over the Turks in the Great Siege of 1565.

Countless activities and events take place in Valletta on Victory Day, including a military parade and the President’s address at the Great Siege Monument.

Gozo also has its commemoration while town fiestas in Naxxar, Senglea, Mellieha and Xagħra join in with processions and fireworks open to locals and tourists.

Another highlight of Victory Day in Malta is the traditional regatta, a boat race in the Grand Harbour. Teams from various districts including Birgu, Birzebbuga, Bormla, Isla, Kalkara, Marsa and Marsamxett compete in a fun event that harks back to Malta’s maritime past.

As you would expect, the Maltese take Victory Day very seriously so celebrations start the day before with literary readings, music and artistic performances in Great Siege Square in Valletta. On the 8th, the Armed Forces of Malta parade on Republic Street in the Capital, till they reach the Co-Cathedral of St John, where they salute the Prime Minister and the national anthem is played.

A mass for the highest-ranking officers is held later in the day and to mark the occasion, the President lays a wreath at the foot of the Great Siege monument in memory of the victims.

What’s more on the list. The main event of the day is the traditional regatta (a sailing sport competition) in the Grand Harbour with the best crews forming part of the rowing teams from the cities bordering the Harbour.

In Gozo, there’s also a commemoration on the day which is held in Independence Square in Rabat and is led by the Minister for Gozo. The Armed Forces of Malta parade and then lay a wreath at the foot of the War Memorial dedicated to Christ the King of Jews.

The much-awaited public holiday is around the corner and are you not yet prepared with your plans? Worry not, we got you covered! Here is a list of things you can do on Victory Day in Malta.

• Soak up some sunlight: Since the weather is delightful during this time of the year, going on outings and picnics is a great way to boost your Melatonin levels and unwind from stress. Malta and Gogo offer wonderful places where you can enjoy and be in nature while enjoying some private time. Whether you like hiking or want to relax on a beach, this is your moment to plan a day and have it all to yourself.
• Dive into culture: With Malta's rich cultural background, it is your time to expand your horizons and explore a deeper understanding of the Mediterranean world. You can either go attend a victory day event, join a local group for celebrations, or take time to visit the ancient temples. Do not miss the charming Maltese villages when preparing a bucket list for your day. Take this opportunity to explore the famous attractions for this day and uncover Malta differently.
• Boost your social skills:  When you travel, you can make new friends and get to know people better. Whether you talk to other travellers or get to know the locals, each interaction helps you improve your social skills and makes you feel more confident around others.
• Indulge in a culinary paradise: Besides the historical aspect of Victory Day, Malta is a foodie's haven. Maltese cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean flavours and ingredients, with the island's history and culture influencing the food you find here. You can indulge in dishes like stews and seafood that are locally grown and sourced. Here is a guide to Maltese food [S1] that you may like to explore to know Malta and its food better.
• Plan a day trip or trek: Starting a student life and studying in Malta could be challenging. Get some fresh air and plan a day trip to some off-beat locations for some beautiful views. This will take your mind off the stress and refresh you mentally and physically. Find here a list of places you can explore in Malta on your day on the victory day.

Victory Day in Malta is a day that goes deep into the island’s history and soul. The day is to honour the Maltese people who have faced and overcome so much throughout the centuries. Whether you get into the cultural festivities, eat the local food or simply chill in the beautiful Maltese scenery, Victory Day is the day to connect with the past while enjoying the present. By participating in the events or exploring what Malta has to offer you can get what this day is all about!