When is the Independence Day of Malta?

 Malta celebrates its Independence Day on 21 September each year. It marks the day in 1964 when Malta gained independence from British rule and became a sovereign nation.

Is the Independence Day of Malta a public holiday?

 Yes, Malta’s Independence Day is a public holiday. Government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed, and the day is celebrated with national events, parades, and cultural activities across the country.

History of Malta Independence Day

The history of Malta stretches back to 5900 B.C., when the Phoenicians and Carthaginians began shaping the culture of this strategically located nation. Positioned in the Mediterranean Sea, it became a prized possession for foreign conquerors such as the French and British. With its naval ports and crucial trade routes, Malta enjoyed a strategic privilege in commerce and trade. By 1813, the British Mediterranean Fleet had established a strong presence along Malta’s shores, using it as an Allied base during the Second World War to influence battles in North Africa.

This rich history brought significant political traction. The locals pushed for self-rule, leading to a treaty in 1964 granting independence. Yet, Queen Elizabeth II remained Head of State, with a governor-general acting under her authority. Ten years later, the republic was formed, and a president replaced the monarch. Since then, the parliament—modeled on the Westminster parliament—has conducted democratic elections. Each year, a national festive counter marks the countdown to this historic day, reminding citizens of their resilience and unity. This annual festive moment symbolizes Malta’s transformation from ancient civilizations to a modern melting pot of influences from modern conquerors and foreign powers.

Capital of Malta

The capital city, Valletta, sits between Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1980. Known as the southernmost capital in Europe, it covers only 0.61 square kilometres, making it part of the European Union’s smallest capitals. Built by the Knights Hospitaller, the city was named after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Frenchman who defended the island during the Great Siege of Malta against the Ottoman invasion. Its Baroque architecture blends with Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and modern architecture, while fortifications, bastions, curtains, and cavaliers protect its historic areas.

Visitors enjoy gardens, palaces, churches, and over 320 monuments within 0.55 square kilometres, making it an open-air museum. The city’s commercial centre thrives with cafés, shopping, and dining, and it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018 and the sunniest city in 2016. Despite the destruction of the Royal Opera House, Valletta remains a symbol of Malta’s pride. During the Independence Day celebrations, a festive counter in the capital city often draws attention, creating a vibrant countdown atmosphere. Locals and tourists gather in this festive setting, enjoying the population’s warmth while the counter ticks toward the moment of national pride.