The day promises to be packed with traditional festivities.
The 8th of September in Malta marks the victorious end of the Great Siege in 1565 by the Knights of St John, after months of relentless battles. On an international scale, this was also the day an armistice was signed in Italy in 1943, marking the end of the fascist regime. The religious feast of the birth of the Virgin Mary, one of the island’s most important saints, is also celebrated in Malta on this day by pure coincidence!
Given all these reasons to celebrate, Heritage Malta will be commemorating this special day through a series of festivities on the day itself at Fort St Angelo. The day will begin with mass celebrated at the recently restored Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary at the fort, for which any attendees must reserve a place.
A ceremony will then be held at the Victory of the Great Siege monument, including the participation of the 1st Cospicua Scout Group, the Malta Sea Cadets, and the National Festivities Committee.
The afternoon will be one filled with excitement, as the Regatta (traditional boat race) will be taking place in the Grand Harbour, with Fort St Angelo providing the perfect vantage point for the race.
In parallel, there will be reenactment performances conducted by several local groups, including the Royal Naval Association Malta.
Fort St Angelo will be also open to the public between 9am and 7pm (with final entry at 6.30pm), at an entry fee of €3 for adults, seniors and students, while children up to 11 years of age and Heritage Malta members presenting their membership card will be admitted free of charge.
The Gozo Highspeed schedule will be adapted to accommodate the Regatta taking place in the Grand Harbour, with ferries taking a break in the afternoon, so if you're planning to travel from Gozo make sure to plan ahead!
Will you be attending the Victory Day festivities this year?