Long weekend ahead! Here are the Freedom Day celebrations happening in Malta next week
Freedom Day (in Maltese, ‘Jum il-Ħelsien’) marks one of the most defining moments in Malta’s history – the closure of the British military base and the dawn of the country’s full sovereignty. On March 31st in 1979, the last British ship departed from Malta, officially ending the island’s use as a British military base. This pivotal event is commemorated annually with an official program of events – alongside a national holiday of course!
This year’s Freedom Day celebrations will begin on Monday 31st March at 9:30 AM, with a ceremonial march by the Armed Forces of Malta Band. The procession will start from Pjazza Pawlino Vassallo in Bormla, moving along Triq Dom Mintoff towards Triq San Lawrenz in Birgu, leading to the Freedom Monument that stands proudly at the entrance of the Birgu Waterfront.
The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, Prime Minister Robert Abela, and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech will be among the distinguished guests attending the official ceremony. Upon arrival at the Freedom Hill, the President will be welcomed with a national salute, followed by the playing of the Freedom Hymn by the Armed Forces Band. The ceremony will conclude with a fanfarra (fanfare), wreath-laying at the monument, and the National Anthem.
This will be followed by the exciting Freedom Day Regatta that will be taking place at the Grand Harbour. If you plan on picking Fort St Angelo as a viewpoint, there will be plenty to keep you busy – the Fort itself will be open at a reduced admission fee, including access to the historic Magistral Palace, located in the upper reaches of the fort. Reenactments of the Knights of Malta will add an immersive historical element to the event, transporting visitors back in time and bringing Malta’s rich past to life.
The Freedom Day commemorations will continue on Tuesday 1st April, at noon, with a parade by the Armed Forces of Malta Band in Pjazza San Gorg in Valletta. Led by Major Jonathan Borg, the band will perform a selection of local compositions and military marches, demonstrating some impressive formations and precise drill movements. The grand finale will feature a special rendition of ‘Lil Malta f’Jum il-Ħelsien’ by renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis.
How do you plan on spending the day?