The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is a highly cherished national holiday in Malta. Also known as Victory Day, it commemorates multiple historical events including the end of the Great Siege of 1565, the end of the French occupation of Malta in 1800, and the armistice of the Fascist regime in Italy in 1943. All celebrated on the 8th of September each year, it represents the strength and resilience of the Maltese people throughout history. The holiday has significant religious undertones, being dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Malta.
The festivities of the Feast of Our Lady of Victories are elaborate and enjoyed widely by both locals and tourists. The day is marked by church services, processions, band marches, and vibrant feasts taking place across Malta. The festivities in the capital, Valletta, are particularly grandeur, featuring regattas in the Grand Harbour, a staple of Maltese tradition. These colorful boat races attract a large number of spectators each year and add to the festive mood of the day.
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories, while being a day of celebration, is also a day of reflection on Malta’s heroic past. This holiday merges Maltese history, culture, civil pride and religious devotion ingeniously. Also, the date has been adopted by the Maltese as a day of national commemoration - a day where they honor the fallen of the Second World War. Thus, the Feast of Our Lady of Victories serves a dual role as a celebration of deliverance and a solemn remembrance of sacrifice.