Malta marks 61 years of independence this Sunday! Here’s how Valletta is celebrating
61 years of freedom, pride, and tradition will be marked by a wreath-laying, a 21-gun salute, and live music.
This Sunday 21st September, Malta marks its 61st Independence Day, and the island is gearing up for a day of celebrations. Beyond the public holiday (which is always welcome), Valletta will host a series of events honouring the nation’s history and heritage.
The day kicks off at 9:00 am with a military march by the Malta Armed Forces Band, departing from in front of the Parliament of Malta and heading towards Misraħ San Ġwann in Valletta. Upon the arrival of President Myriam Spiteri Debono, a national salute will be fired and the Honour Guard inspected, setting a ceremonial tone for the morning.
At 9:30 am, a Pontifical Mass will take place at St John’s Co-Cathedral, concluding with the traditional Te Deum. The service will be broadcast live on Television Malta, allowing everyone to join in the celebration.
Following the Mass, the country’s top officials, including the President, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition, will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument in Floriana, accompanied by a 21-gun salute from the Malta Armed Forces.
The celebrations continue in the evening at 8:00 pm, when the Manoel Theatre will host a special concert for the Maltese public. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Michael Laus, will be joined by tenor Alan Sciberras for a program that blends Maltese and international music. Works by Maltese composers Vincenzo Bugeja and Veronique Vella will feature alongside pieces by Franz von Suppé, Beethoven, Bizet, and Puccini. The concert will also be broadcast live on TVM+, making it accessible to audiences across the islands.
How will you be celebrating?