Freedom Day is here, which means that so is the biannual regatta!

The public holiday is celebrated every year as a way to commemorate the British navy leaving Malta for good on the 31st March, 1979.

This year, the public holiday will be falling on Monday, and going to watch the regatta will be the perfect end to the long weekend.

So, what is the regatta?

The regatta is a traditional Maltese sport that centres around outside rowing but with a Maltese twist. The competition is held twice every year, once on Freedom Day and another time during Victory Day on the 8th September.

Teams from many coastal towns around Malta all participate and compete. The town teams include Kalkara, Marsamxett, Valletta, Birgu, Birzebbuga, Bormla, Senglea and Siggiewi.

The race kicks off from Valletta’s Grand Harbour, where many will be watching and cheering for their favourite team.

This is a tradition that dates back over 200 years, having been introduced to Malta in 1822. At the time, boat races were a very common occurrence on feast days, especially with the towns around the Grand Harbour. Soon after, the regatta was introduced!

Today, this traditional competition has two categories. Category A is for professional rowers whilst Category B is organised for those who are amateurs. 

This year’s regatta will start at 12:30 PM - bring your cheering voice and team spirit!

Have you ever attended the historic regatta?