Malta became a republic on December 13th 1974, when the State of Malta transformed into a republic within the Commonwealth. This transformation caused a change in the constitution and the British monarch was replaced by Sir Anthony Mamo. The change experienced in Malta gave the Maltese and their new President a very important day known as Jum ir-Repubblika (Republic Day) bidding the Queen farewell with the erection of a celebratory monument; on December 13 Avenue in Marsa.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrew Milner (@andrewmilnerdesign) on Aug 15, 2018 at 12:40pm PDT

Historically, the Maltese elected to join the British Empire post-Napoleonic Wars where Great Britain freed the islanders from the French invaders. With the break of the Second World War, the British recognised Malta’s worth and set up a naval base for increased success in warfare. Come 1964, after the war had come and gone, the Maltese negotiated independence from the British Empire, but only succeeded in becoming a republic ten years later with the help of political reform shuffling the status quo in 1971. This movement towards sole governance in Malta called for a change in the constitution, and a drastic one at that - instating the independent republic’s first ever President.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ira Losco (@iralosco) on Aug 13, 2015 at 2:26pm PDT

Some folks who roam among us are able to recall the day the troops left the Grand Harbour and the election of Mamo, and remembering this day might involve a few festivities, with the entire country eager to celebrate in style. Valletta and Marsa are known to be the most thriving, with the Grand Harbour serving as a spectacular middle ground between the two seafaring cities.

Some celebrations to look forward to include:

1. The prestigious Award Ceremony where the President of Malta merits deserving individuals with awards to mark their commitment and service to the country.
2. Wreaths are laid by all major monuments and military parades are held in the capital and Marsa.
3. Other events include the Annual Band Concert, held at the luxurious Manoel Theatre in Valletta where locals cheer to the sounds of local village bands serenading the public with traditional music; bands also march through the streets.
4. Lastly and most thrillingly, a grand fireworks display takes place over the Grand Harbour enjoyed from the most prominent of cities for this event - Marsa and Valletta.

So plan out your day, hit the major cities and rejoice for we are an independent republic!