Event guide
Freedom Day / Jum il-Ħelsien (Malta)
Freedom Day (31 March) is a Maltese national holiday marking the 1979 withdrawal of British forces from Malta. It is commemorated in Vittoriosa (Birgu) in the Three Cities with a wreath-laying at the Freedom Monument and a traditional rowing regatta in the Grand Harbour.
Photo by Reuben Farrugia on Unsplash
At a glance
- Dates
- March 31, 2027
- Where
- Nationwide (ceremony in Vittoriosa/Birgu)
- Price
- Free (public holiday)
- Official
- www.gov.mt ↗
Last updated:
What to expect
- Marks the 1979 departure of British forces from Malta
- Wreath-laying at the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa (Birgu)
- Traditional rowing regatta in the Grand Harbour
- National public holiday with closures
Planning tips
- Watch the regatta from the Three Cities or Valletta waterfront
- Ceremonies centre on Birgu — easy to reach by harbour ferry
- Bus services run on a holiday timetable
Build a day around it
Valletta events work best when the day stays low-effort: one event block, one food stop, and one slow walk for the harbour light — with buffer. Keep it simple and the city feels more beautiful.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short waterfront/viewpoint loop.
- If you’re making a full day: one landmark block + event + a calm dinner plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.