Here's why you'll love the spectacular regatta, Malta's national boat racing event
Credit: Drew Creative Studios (3:08)
Are you going to the Maltese National Regatta today? If you haven’t properly considered it, you should. Here’s one national event that is not only historic, but also guarantees an atmosphere with a great deal of excitement and local cheer.
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. However, this year in particular, the regatta is going to be held on Sunday 24th March.
Both dates commemorate the end of foreign occupation or invasion: 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.
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 seven coastal towns compete in two categories - one for professionals, and one for amateurs - with each featuring five races of 1,040 metres each. Take a snack and a couple of beers - this is a five hour affair but with lots to keep you entertained, promise!
Maltarowing.com
Each race features a different rowing boat, traditionally the kajjik, frejgatina, dgħajsa tal-pass and dgħajsa tal-midalji, all converted Maltese working boats. Points are awarded to the first three placings and the club with he most points from the five races wins the respective category.
Needless to say, there is a great ado about being the winners in this traditional Maltese sport. Traditionally, the participating clubs are the Birzebbugia Regatta Club (Red-White-Blue), the Kalkara Regatta Club (Green), the Bormla Regatta Club (Light Blue), the Birgu Regatta Club (Red), the Senglea Regatta Club (Red-Yellow), the Marsa Regatta Club (Red-Blue) and the Marsamxett Regatta Club (Yellow) of Valletta.
The competition is fierce and supporters scream encouragement from their viewing points (whether they can actually be heard or not is another matter, but the support is certainly there!) Join the large crowd of keen spectators on the water’s edge or on the bastions of Malta’s historic fortified cities.
Don’t miss this colourful, lively and spectacular event full of local flavour!