Public Holidays in Malta in September
In September, Malta celebrates two Public Holidays; Victory Day and Independence Day. Both Public Holidays have a significance for Malta and are celebrated around Malta.
8th September – Victory Day
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories, or ‘Otto Settembre’, is considered a national holiday. In short, this marks the nativity of Our Lady.
Not only is it a religious feast, but it also celebrates the end of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. In addition, the 8th of September commemorates the victory of the Maltese people over the French invaders in 1800. Finally, it recalls Malta’s prowess against the Axis Bombing campaign during World War II.
What do festivities include?
The day typically includes a military parade and presidential ceremony in Valletta. In the afternoon, there is a regatta at the Grand Harbour which displays the Maltese bravery during each of the three victories. To top it off, a mass is held in the evening to honour Mary’s birth.
Fireworks are also on display across the islands.
21st September – Independence Day
The 21st of September in 1964 was the day that Malta became independent from its British colonisers. It is celebrated with grandiose as it is so important. On this occasion, parades, festivals, cultural events, and musical performances are held across the islands of Malta and Gozo. The following Sunday, there are usually ‘In Guardia Parades’, which are historical re-enactments where actors are dressed and act like the Knights of St. John. Such events take place at Fort St. Elmo in Valletta.
The school is closed during the Public Holidays and no lessons will take place however these lessons will be partially made up during the week. In the meantime, if you were thinking of extending your summer vacation, why don’t you book an English course with us and spend the public holidays exploring Malta while simultaneously improving your English skills!
For more information about all the public holidays in Malta, check out our blog post.
Focus on Fluency
- Victory (noun) – an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle
- Independence (noun) – the fact or state of being free from anyone’s control
- Significance (noun) – importance, the quality of being worthy of attention
- Nativity (noun) – the occasion of a person’s birth
- Siege (noun) – a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, removing essential supplies, where those inside it must resist the enemy
- Commemorates (verb) – to mark or celebrate (an event or person) by doing something
- Prowess (noun) – bravery in battle
- Colonisers (noun) – countries where settlers are sent and have political control over them
- Grandiose (adjective) – impressive and imposing in appearance or style, often pretentiously
- Re-enactments (noun) – the acting out of a past event
- Simultaneously (adverb) – at the same time
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