The 7th June, known in Malta as Sette Giugno is a National Holiday and a Public Holiday which commemorates the 1919 riots in Valletta. On this day, four Maltese men were shot and killed by British troops. Consequently, the National Assembly was founded, and a formal request for self-government was made.
A commemorative ceremony is held at Palace Square, Valletta, in remembrance of the incidents of June 7 1919.
Being under British rule, the Maltese Islands gave their valid contribution to the Allies’ cause during the First World War. Malta’s main help to the British was through its dockyard and also as a hospital whereby thousands of sick and wounded soldiers were brought over to Malta. In fact, Malta at the time earned the title of the Nurse of the Mediterranean. Also, hundreds of Maltese served as soldiers in the regiments.
The war brought employment, but the high cost of living, particularly the increase in the cost of bread, which was then the staple food of most Maltese families, created serious problems for those who found it difficult to make ends meet. Yet, wages remained rather low. These factors, together with others including the discontent arising from the local situation, triggered off the so called Sette Giugno Riots in Valletta on the 7th June 1919 during which four Maltese were killed.
The official programme of activities for this year is organised by the National Feasts Committee within the Maltese Council for Culture and Arts and the Ministry for Culture and Tourism.
On Tuesday, 6th June, wreaths of flowers were placed on the monument in honour of the Sette Giugno victims at the St. Maria Addolorata Cemetry.
On Wednesday, the commemorative ceremony is held at St George’s Square, Valletta in front of the Sette Giugno monument. Mr Speaker, Anton Tabone will be meeting the deputy chamber members at the Palace. At the same time, the Police accompanied by the Police Band will march down Republic Street and position themselves in front of the Sette Giugno monument.
Mr Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader together with the deputy members will proceed to give their solemn salute to the monument. Anton Tabone will then deliver the speech for the occasion and then position himself in front of the monument while the Last Post is played. A minute of silence follows and then the Reveille is played.
Wreaths of flowers are then placed by the Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader and other representatives of political parties and organisations. The ceremony in front of the monument closes with the Maltese National Anthem while the Police march back from Republic Street.
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