The Maltese Islands are fondly celebrating the 8th September on Friday to commemorate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin which is remembered universally by the Catholic Church.
Another reason for Maltese to celebrate is Victory Day, Jum il-Vitorja; in remembrance of the victories against the Turks in Great Siege of 1565 and against the Italians in 1943 during the World War II.
Celebrations on Thursday morning included the laying of wreaths at Fort’ St. Angelo in Vittoriosa, on the Victory monument in Senglea as well as at the Addolorata cemetery by the National Feasts Committee. During the evening Misraħ l-Assedju in Valletta was became a cultural hub through music, literature and performance. The Armed Forces of Malta Band performed a series of musical pieces, followed by a representation of the Great Siege by Stella Maris College students. Heritage Malta Chairman Mario Tabone addressed the event, followed by speeches from Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Parliamentary Speaker Anton Tabone, Opposition leader Dr. Alfred Sant and other distinct authorities. 
Prior to the concelebrated mass, the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta marched into Valletta playing a string of tunes fitting for the feast.
In the afternoon, numerous people flocked to the Grand Harbour to watch the traditional Regatta boat races which started at 1400CEST. Cruise liners due on the day were arranged to berth at alternative location on Victory Day. Otherwise it would have been impossible for spectators to watch the keenly contested races from the Valletta side. Participating clubs included those of Birżebbuġa, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Senglea, Marsa and Marsamxett-Valletta.
This year, the shield went to Marsamxett-Valletta. Senglea placed second.
Gozo celebrated Victory Day on Thursday through a commemorative evening presided by the Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono. The evening saw the particpiation of band marches from Savina to Independence Squares in Victoria, played by the Malta Police Force Band. The evening also featured the laying of wreaths and bouquets at the foot of the War Memorial in the same square. An hour-long concert by the Southampton University Sinfonietta Orchestra, brought to Gozo in collaboration with the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts followed.
Maltese towns such as Senglea, Naxxar, Mellieha and Xaghra in Gozo commemorate the 8th of September and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. On this day and others preceding it, the feast is celebrated in an array of religious activities, traditional Maltese sweets, fireworks, colour and a general merriment that pervades throughout the festa.
See also MaltaMedia's special feature:
Festa Season in Malta and Gozo.
See also:
Cruise liners to berth at alternative location on Victory Day
by MaltaMedia News - Sep 2, 2006
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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