A Maltese Victory Day tradition! This year’s regatta at the Grand Harbour explained

The bi-annual traditional Maltese regatta is soon upon us once again for the 8^th September Victory Day celebrations.

But what is a Maltese regatta and why is it celebrated on the islands?

Traditional boat racing has been going on in Malta since the Middle Ages. While the details have changed considerably over the years, today the regatta races are held twice a year on the 31st March and 8th September. 

Both dates commemorate the end of foreign occupation or invasion hence the celebrations. The British army and navy left Malta on 31st March, while the 8th September marks the end of the Great Siege of 1565 as well as the departure of the French occupiers in 1800 and the end of the Siege of Malta by the Axis forces during World War II.

The races are held in the Grand Harbour, with the fortifications of Valletta, the Three Cities and Fort St Angelo as a backdrop. Rowers from a number of coastal towns compete in two categories - one for professionals, and one for amateurs - with each featuring five races of 1,040 metres each. 

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Each race features a different rowing boat, traditionally the kajjik, frejgatina, dgħajsa tal-pass and dgħajsa tal-midalji and everyone from each category is enthusiastically competing for that top spot.

Localities that have formed clubs in the past to participate in the regatta include Birzebbugia, Kalkara, Marsamxett, Birgu, Senglea, Marsa and Siggiewi.

The first race usually kicks off at around 12:30pm, so get a refreshing beer or two and find a good viewpoint from which you can enjoy all the excitement that these races have to offer - the top of Fort St Angelo is a good place to start!

Will you be following this year's Regatta?