Malta Feasts - A Day for Victory

Il-Vitorja, as it is known in Malta or Otto Settembre, is a public holiday celebrated every year on the 8th September. This honours Malta’s two most significant sieges - in 1565 and in 1940, during the Second World War. On this day the Maltese also commemorate the birth of the Virgin Mary, known as Il-Bambina, whose feast is celebrated in Senglea, Naxxar, Mellieha and Xaghra, Gozo.

The historical prominence of this feast was initiated during the Great Siege, in which the Knights of Malta battled the Ottomans. In 1565, after three months in battle, the Ottomans retreated from Vittoriosa and Senglea. Although this was not the last battle, as fighting continued in St. Paul’s Bay for some time, it can be said that the withdrawal from the South marked the end of the Great Siege, which is renowned as one of the bloodiest sieges in the world and the longest in Malta. On the 7th September 1565, the Gran Soccorso fleet arrived from Sicily, which prompted the Turks to surrender.

In 1943, Italy joined the Allies in fighting against the Nazis, after having previously supported the Germans. This marked the end of bombing in Malta.

The Vitorja is marked by diverse activities in several Maltese villages. Moreover in Valletta, the Capital, the day starts with cultural activities in the main square, which include literature, music and art exhibitions. A parade by the Armed Forces marches down Republic Street until it arrives at the Co-Cathedral of St. John, where the Prime Minister is saluted and the national anthem is sung. A commemorative Mass is attended by the highest authorities in the country. The President later places a wreath on the Great Siege Monument. The traditional Regatta is held from mid-day at the Grand Harbour. Various teams from Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett and Birzebbugia compete in rowing races in the main categories. The winning club is awarded the highly-coveted Shield trophy.

On the Sister Island of Gozo, celebrations include a commemorative night in Pjazza Independenza in Victoria. The event is attended by the Minister for Gozo.

If you would like to stay informed about Malta events during your holidays kindly visit the Grand Hotel Excelsior website.

Maltese Islands Celebrate Santa Marija

On Monday 15th August, the Maltese Islands celebrate the feast of Santa Marija Assumption. In the light of this religious celebration Mosta, Attard, Qrendi, Gudja, Ghaxaq and Victoria, Gozo organize spectacular feasts.

The day also commemorates the arrival of what is historically known as the Santa Marija convoy. Operation Pedestal was a British convoy of 15 merchant ships that barely made it to Malta with food, ammunition and provisions in August 1942 during the World War II. The arrival of the convoy was deemed miraculous after other convoys in previous months which had attempted to reach the island were sunk after they were bombed by the Axis of Germany and Italy.

The feast is also synonymous with a period of rest, with thousands of workers enjoying the annual shut-down and crossing over between Malta and Gozo.

Should you wish to visit one of the villages and towns celebrating this feast, please contact Josette or Chris at our Chauffeur Driven Service Office of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta and they will ensure you are taken to your destination of fun, intrigue and colours.