Republic Day
13th December
Republic Day is an annually celebrated national holiday that commemorates the day Malta became a Republic State on the 13th December 1974. This day marks the election of Malta’s first ever president: Sir Anthony Mamo.
After Malta’s bravery in World War II, the British Empire rewarded the island with not only their highest honour, the George Cross, but also with the prospect of becoming an Independent State. This promise was fulfilled in 1964, as Malta achieved self-governance, became an Independent Sovereign State, and joined the commonwealth.
Picture: A Parliamentary session in the Tapestry Chamber between the 1964 Independence and Republic Day in 1974
Even though Malta was considered to be independent from Britain, it was still partly governed by the Queen of Malta, who bore a constitutional role. The Queen of Malta delegated this constitutional role through the then governor-general, Sir Anthony Mamo. Exactly 10 years after achieving independence, Malta’s constitution was revised through insistence of the Labour Government, turning Malta into a Republic State. As a Republic, Malta abolished the role of the Queen of Malta and elected its first ever President of the Republic, the then governor-general, Sir Anthony Mamo. Even though Malta became a republic, the British fleet remained on the island providing financial and defensive benefit until the 31st March 1979, marking Freedom Day
Picture: Sir Anthony Mamo
Republic Day
Republic Day is an annually celebrated national holiday that commemorates the day Malta became a Republic State on the 13th December 1974. This day marks the election of Malta’s first ever president: Sir Anthony Mamo.
13th December
Commemorating Republic Day
As a national holiday, Republic Day includes a variety of different stately events and celebrations. Perhaps the most awaited event is the yearly Awards Ceremony, where the President of the Republic of Malta, with which this holiday is most commonly associated with, presents the ‘Ġieħ ir-Repubblika’ award. This honour is granted to those individuals within military or political institutions, as well as to public figures who act as notable representatives of the country.
Apart from this award ceremony, Republic Day also features a grand fireworks display over the Grand Harbour, as well as a wreath-laying ceremony by state officials at the Republic Day monument in Marsa.
Closing the festivities is a yearly ‘Trooping the Colour’ military parade in St. George’s Square, Valletta. As member of the commonwealth, Malta joins in this British Military tradition where the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) soldiers and band march in a parade with the Presidential Colour. This is followed by a salute from the President of the Republic of Malta. The ceremonies close with a Fue de joie from the AFM.