Event guide
Victory Day (Malta)
Victory Day (8 September) is a Maltese national public holiday marking the lifting of the Great Siege of 1565 and the end of the WWII siege, also celebrated as the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady (Il-Vitorja). It is marked by a traditional regatta of rowing races in the Grand Harbour.
Photo by Rick Barton on Unsplash
At a glance
- Dates
- September 8, 2026
- Where
- Nationwide (regatta in the Grand Harbour)
- Price
- Free (public holiday)
- Official
- www.gov.mt ↗
Last updated:
What to expect
- Commemorates the end of the 1565 Great Siege and the WWII siege
- Traditional rowing regatta in the Grand Harbour
- Also the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady (Il-Vitorja)
- National public holiday — closures expected
Planning tips
- Watch the regatta from the Three Cities or Valletta harbour bastions
- Arrive early for a good harbour-side viewing spot
- Public transport runs to 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.