President leads Victory Day commemorations in Valletta

President Myriam Spiteri Debono has presided over Victory Day commemorations in Valletta this morning. The official national salute and inspection of the Guard of Honour were followed by a Pontifical Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral.

The President received the national salute before inspecting the Guard of Honour. She then laid a wreath at the Great Siege Monument.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono lays wreath at the Great Siege Monument (Photo: DOI)

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi led the Pontifical Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral. The ceremonies form part of Malta's annual events marking Victory Day on 8 September.

The date commemorates two key moments in Malta's history. The Great Siege of 1565 saw Malta resist Ottoman Turks, whilst 8 September also marks the end of World War II when Italy surrendered in 1943. The Italian surrender ended attacks on Malta from Italy.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi led the Pontifical Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral (Photo: DOI)

Today Malta will celebrate three pivotal turning points spanning almost four centuries of the country’s history. From 1565 to 1943, 8 September commemorates moments when this tiny island overcame empires far more powerful than it could have imagined.

Beyond the history, it is also the day Malta celebrates the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

The feast of the Virgin Mary is also celebrated across four localities today: Mellieha, Senglea and Naxxar in Malta, and Xagħra in Gozo.