As the name suggests, tomorrow’s ‘Nativity of Our Lady’ feast celebrates the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus. This feast is celebrated in different churches across the world, on one of three dates: May 9th, September 8th, and September 21st.

Malta, however, celebrates this feast on 8th September, the same day as Victory Day. The latter is a national holiday that commemorates three important events in Maltese history: the ending of the Great Siege of 1565, the end of a two-year siege and blockade of Valletta by the French in 1800, and the day when Italy’s surrender was made public in 1943, during World War Two.

For these reasons, the feast on 8th September is known as both tal-Vitorja and tal-Bambina.

With that being said, here are the four localities around the Maltese islands that celebrate the Nativity of Our Lady. Take your pick!

Mellieħa

Naxxar

Senglea

Xagħra, Gozo

Typically, all of these feasts are celebrated through means of processions, fireworks displays and other celebrations. However, due to bad weather this year, most of them have been cancelled, postponed or have been celebrated earlier than usual. 

Are you going to any of the Marija Bambina feasts?