Forty-four years ago, on the 31 March 1979, the final British naval base evacuated the Maltese islands for the very last time. This triumphant moment signified a new dawn for the country’s present and future, becoming liberated from a foreigner ruler for the first time in hundreds of years. This chapter was initiated from the ripple of events that caused the country’s political independence from Britain on 21 September 1974, after 150 years of British rule.

The British Reign

Following the events of the ‘Imblokk tal-Franċiżi’ (literally translated to French Blockade) or as some other historians refer to it as the ‘siege of Valletta’ in 1800, the British Empire acquired total jurisdiction over the Maltese islands. The period in which Malta was ruled by Britain, was not only a detrimental period for Malta’s culture heritage and identity but it also precipitated an array of political circumstances that shaped Malta’s history. Malta’s valiant effort in the Second World War stemmed negotiations for the island’s possible autonomy from Britain.

While Malta gained independence on 21 September 1964, a constitutional treaty with Britain, which affirmed that Malta would still serve as a base for the British military base with Queen Elizabeth II representing Malta as a Head of State, was still abided for the following decade until Malta became a Republic.

When the Labour Government was re-elected into power back in 1971, it fought to revise the treaty, but still allowing the Royal Navy to use Malta as a naval base. The realisation of this treaty established Malta as independent de facto (by law) and de jure (by law), christening the 31 March 1979 as Freedom Day, becoming a public holiday ever since.

Memorialising Freedom Day

Freedom Day is supplemented with numerous national traditions to commemorate the historic moment through a concatenation of events and also independent ceremonies in different localities around the Maltese archipelago.

1. Regatta

Organised by the Malta Rowing Association, rowing teams from localities such as Valletta, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), Cospicua (Bormla) battle it out in an annual rowing event within the Grand Harbour. Who reigns supreme would then be gifted with an honorary shield award. This event gathers thousands of spectators that line the Grand Harbour to support their favourite team and congratulate them at the finish line.

2. Military Parade

Recognised as one of the largest displays of the year, the military parade is held by the Armed Forces of Malta as well as the Malta Police Force at St George’s Square, Valletta. Similar parades are then displayed in Vittoriosa and also in front of the War Memorial in Floriana. 

This event is showcased on national television, with a huge number of attendees showing up to display their support as a token of respect, with high-up influential dignitaries attending the parade, including the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and the President. These national high-rankers often place flowers on the memorials or perform an annual speech to follow the national codified constitution.

3. Freedom Monument

Designed by the local sculptor Antonio Agius to commemorate this historic moment, the Freedom Monument has become an iconic symbol in the heart of Vittoriosa. Placing wreaths on the monument as a sign of respect has become a yearly tradition that numerous people still follow to this day.