What to do and see this Independence Day in Malta

Independence Day is celebrated on 21st September and commemorates Malta’s full independence from the British. Great Britain ruled Malta for over 150 years, and during their colonization, enforced new legal, educational and social structures into the country. Their influence on the islands also exposed locals to their language, allowing the Maltese inhabitants to learn the English language - resulting in a bilingual country with two mother tongues.

The connection between Malta and Britain is a long and strong relationship that all began due to Napoleon’s invasion in 1798, when the Order of the Knights of St John surrendered the country to the French. The locals were not at all impressed by the foreign rulers changing their country, and after two years of French rule, the Maltese called upon the British - France’s greatest enemy - to rid the country of unwelcome rulers.

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Still, in asking the British for help, the Maltese were unaware that their invitation would last 150 years. Their demand for independence was granted on 21st September 1964, but it took the British a further 20 years to become a republic and an additional five years for the fleets to vacate the islands. This series of events is what gives the Maltese the pride to celebrate Independence Day, year in, year out, and the festivities aren’t too shabby.

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Malta comes to life with festivals, reenactments, musical performances and other cultural events taking place in various parts of the islands. The In Guardia Parades display a stunning reenactment of battles had under the Knights of the Order, while St John’s Co Cathedral hosts a magnificent ceremonial mass as well as a concert in the Cathedral delivered by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

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So, what are your plans this Independence Day?