Celebrate Malta Victory Day with history, traditional food, the regatta, and fireworks. Discover the best places to enjoy Victory Day in Malta!
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Victory Day in Malta celebrates resilience, tradition, and community spirit. With historical events, traditional Maltese food, and vibrant festivities, this day perfectly balances relaxation and excitement.
Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking to enjoy Malta's unique culture, this itinerary will guide you through the perfect Victory Day, from a leisurely morning to a lively evening filled with regatta, feasts, and fireworks.
Morning – Start with History and a Refreshing Drink
Kick off your Malta Victory Day with a trip back in time. Head to Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta's oldest and most historic city. Start your exploration with a visit to Fort St. Angelo. This fortress played a pivotal role during the Great Siege of 1565. Heritage Malta organises special events on Victory Day at many historic sites.
After your history fixes, it's time for a little break. Pop into one of Birgu's local cafes for a Maltese coffee, or if you're feeling festive, grab a cold Cisk (or Hopleaf, or Blue label), Malta's national beer.
You can pair your coffee or beer with some traditional pastizzi, flaky, savoury pastries filled with ricotta or peas—a local favourite. Other options are Mqaret (date pastries), Twistees, or some 'Hobz-biz-Zejt'. Here's our in-depth article on the subject, which provides more details about traditional Maltese food.
Sit back, relax, and take in the laid-back holiday atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet moment before the afternoon festivities, whether coffee or beer, begin.
Mid-Morning – Explore More of Malta's History
If you're still in the mood for more historical immersion, mid-morning is the perfect time to explore Valletta. Many Victory Day celebrations include special historical activities organised by Heritage Malta, including exhibitions, re-enactments, and guided tours.
If it's snack time for you, then qassatat and pastizzi are the way.
One must-do activity is the Regatta Day event organised by Heritage Malta, which provides historical exhibitions and guided tours designed to better understand Malta's storied past. More details can be found here. Valletta's rich history, especially its connection to the Knights of St. John, comes to life through these events.
If the heat rises, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a cool breeze while overlooking the city and the harbour below. You can also scope out the best viewing points for the afternoon regatta. If you are looking for some great food spots in Valletta, have a look at our Top 10 Valletta food places!
Lunch – A Taste of the Season: Lampuki Pie
As lunchtime rolls around, it's time to indulge in one of Malta's most beloved seasonal dishes – lampuki pie. September marks the start of lampuki season, making this the perfect time to try this iconic dish.
Lampuki (or dorado fish) is caught fresh and prepared in various ways. However, the most popular on Victory Day is in pie form. Lampuki pie (Torta tal-Lampuki) is a flaky pastry filled with lampuki fillets, a medley of vegetables like spinach, olives, capers, and gently seasoned Mediterranean herbs.
The sea's flavours are encased in golden, buttery pastry, offering a hearty and delicious meal that will fuel you for the afternoon festivities. Look for restaurants in Valletta or Birgu that offer this traditional dish, as many will feature it on their Victory Day menus.
Afternoon – Get Ready for the Regatta
The traditional regatta, one of the main events of Victory Day, starts in the late afternoon, usually around 3 to 4 p.m. This centuries-old boat race is a spectacle of colour and excitement as local teams compete in traditional Maltese rowing boats.
But it's not just about the race—it's about the atmosphere, the cheers from the crowd, and the shared sense of Maltese pride as traditional localities battle it out for the coveted 'Regatta Shield'.
It's best to head to the harbour early to secure a good viewing spot, as it can get quite crowded. Some of the best places to watch the regatta include:
Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta: Offering a fantastic bird's-eye view of the Grand Harbour, this is one of the most popular spots for locals and visitors alike. It is also popular as tourists and locals flock here to get some of the best action views.
Il-Ponta in Senglea: If you prefer being closer to the water and surrounded by the lively atmosphere of a local town, head to Senglea's 'Ponta' (literally meaning 'point'), or further up in the 'Gardjola Gardens' (Gardjola being a play on the Spanish word 'Guardiola'). Located at the edge of this peninsula, this spot offers great views and the added charm of local celebrations.
Under Fort St. Angelo in Birgu: This area offers possibly the closest to the action and the most historic viewing experience, with slightly fewer crowds (but not much) and plenty of excitement as the boats race through the harbour.
Make your way to your chosen spot early, grab a cold drink from a nearby kiosk or bar, and settle in for one of Malta's most exciting traditions.
Evening – Village Feasts and Fireworks
As the regatta wraps up and the sun sets, it's time to head to the evening festivities. Victory Day coincides with the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, or il-Bambina, which is celebrated in Senglea, Naxxar and Mellieha on Malta and Xagħra in Gozo.
Being from that locality, Senglea's celebrations are particularly close to our hearts. It is a beautiful setting, and the feast is made even more special if the city has won the regatta shield.
The statue of Marija Bambina is paraded through the streets, accompanied by brass bands and a joyous atmosphere, with locals singing songs and showing their devotion.
So, if you are taking up our suggestion, head early and take a walk along Senglea's promenade, where the sea breeze cools the air, and the waterfront is lined with gabbanas (kiosks) and restaurants offering a variety of local delicacies.
It's the perfect place to enjoy a light dinner or snack while enjoying the lively atmosphere. There's something magical about the combination of sea views, festive lights, and the laughter of families and friends enjoying the evening.
As night falls, the Victory Day fireworks will light the sky over the Grand Harbour. Senglea offers one of the best vantage points for this dazzling display. The fireworks' reflection on the water and the festive sounds of brass bands and cheering crowds create a truly unforgettable experience.
So grab a drink, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the grand finale of an amazing day!
What a Victory Day!
Victory Day in Malta is a day of pride, history, and community celebration, offering relaxation and excitement. From historical tours and the thrilling regatta to a delicious lampuki pie lunch and an evening of feasts and fireworks, this itinerary ensures you won't miss any of the best parts of Jum il-Vitorja.
Whether you watch the regatta from the Upper Barrakka Gardens or celebrate in Senglea with the locals, you'll experience the heart of Malta's culture and traditions.
So get ready to enjoy a day filled with history, good food, and vibrant festivities – and don't forget to grab a Cisk while you're at it!
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