Malta's Rich History of Rowing

CELEBRATING VICTORY DAY

Victory Day is a public holiday celebrated in Malta on September 8. This holiday commemorates the end of three historical sieges: the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire; the Siege of Valletta, which was a result of the French Blockade; and the Axis-led Siege of Malta. OhMyMalta will dissect these events to underline

their historical importance in the assemblement of Malta’s identity as a nation-state.

On 7 September, 1565, The Sicilian navy Gran Soccorso arrived on the Maltese coasts on, assisting the Maltese while also delaying the Turkish attack. The Ottomans who had been

besieging Vittoriosa and Senglea for more than three months withdrew

their soldiers and evacuated that area

of the island the next day. Although fighting continued in the area that is now St. Paul's Bay, it may be stated that this day marked the end of the Great Siege, which is regarded as one of the deadliest in global history and the most significant siege in Malta's history. The second event dates back to the

end of the 18th century. With a timid surrender to Napoleon's revolutionary forces in 1798, the Knights' authority came to an unceremonious end.

However, the Maltese swiftly rose against their new rulers, and the French garrison in Valletta was besieged while the city was blocked off from the sea by the British Navy. Early in September 1800, when the French were on the verge of hunger, they finally submitted.

In November 1942, the Second World War's Malta siege came to an end. Over the course of two years, there were 3,000 bombing strikes on Malta in an effort to destroy the ports and Royal Air Force defences. King George VI of the United Kingdom gave the George Cross to the entire island for surviving this devastating period. The Maltese flag even incorporated the George Cross into its design.

The morning of the public holiday is layered with several festivities, including a parade by the Malta Armed Forces. The Maltese national anthem

is played as the Armed Forces of Malta parade down Republic Street in Valletta on Victory Day till the Co-Cathedral of St. John. Later

that day, a mass is given for the most senior officials. In the Grand Harbour, a hotly contested traditional rowing event known as the ‘regatta’ takes place in the afternoon. Valletta also hosts

cultural events honouring Victory Day, including literary readings, musical performances, and visual arts exhibitions.

The President honours the World

War II casualties by laying a symbolic garland at the base of the Great Siege monument to mark the occasion.

Additionally, the Nativity of Mary, also known as the remembrance of the birth

of the Virgin Mary, is also celebrated on the 8 of September in Senglea, Naxxar, and Mellieha in Malta as well as Xagħra in Gozo. Locals refer to this feast as

‘il-Bambina’ (the Baby) and ‘il-Vitorja’ (the Victory).