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🌍 observance

Malta Independence

Monday, September 21, 2026

— days to go

Becomes British Colony. The Treaty of Paris officially ceded Malta to the British Empire, marking the beginning of a 150-year long British rule

History

Malta Becomes British Colony. The Treaty of Paris officially ceded Malta to the British Empire, marking the beginning of a 150-year long British rule

How It's Celebrated

Malta Independence is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.

Other Years

2021 Tue
21 Sep
2022 Wed
21 Sep
2023 Thu
21 Sep
2024 Sat
21 Sep
2025 Sun
21 Sep
2027 Tue
21 Sep
2028 Thu
21 Sep
2029 Fri
21 Sep

Countries

🇲🇹 MT

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📅 holiday Dec 25

Christmas Day

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📅 holiday Jun 29

Feast of St Peter and St Paul

In Chile, as in many other predominantly Roman Catholic countries, The Feast Day of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is a public holiday. It falls every 29 June. In 2026, Feast of St Peter and St Paul falls on Monday 29 June. The holiday will be on Monday 28 June in 2027. Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day is meant to commemorate the death and life of the two most prominent of all Christian Apostles, Peter and Paul. Catholic tradition has them both dying on the same day in A.D. 67 in the Mamertine Prison in Rome at the hands of the Emperor Nero. Peter is said to have been crucified upside down since he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ, while Paul was beheaded because that was the execution method used for Roman citizens. For Saint Peter and Paul Day, many in Chile will attend a special celebratory mass where the martyrdom of Peter and Paul is remembered. Those living near the sea coast may deck out their docks and vessels in festive garb, to honour Saint Peter, the patron saint of all fishermen.

CL CO MT +1
📅 holiday Mar 31

Freedom Day

In Malta, March 31st is “Freedom Day,” the day of the final withdrawal of British troops and naval units from the island. In 2027, Freedom Day falls on Wednesday 31 March. The holiday will be on Friday 31 March in 2028. Freedom Day is one of the many public holidays of Malta, which has more holidays than any other nation in the E.U. There is even debate among islanders over whether it is appropriate for Malta to have multiple national days, including not only Freedom Day but also Independence Day, Republic Day, Victory Day, and Sette Giugno. Nonetheless, Freedom Day is celebrated with great patriotism every single year, along with the other patriotic remembrances. The British first took control of Malta after wresting if from the French in 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars. Malta then became a key naval base on the route between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal and an important air base during World War II. In 1947, the UK promised to give Malta its long-desired independence, which officially came in 1964. However, the British army and navy remained. In 1971, Malta raised the rent on British forces in Malta after prolonged negotiations. The lease was then set to expire in seven more years. In 1979, on March 31st, the British left the island forever, and the long-time defence treaty between Malta and the U.K. came to an end. The Maltese only got $36 million in rent, whereas they had sought $72 million, but it was far more than they had ever been paid before. The exorbitant lease rate was a prime reason for the British finally abandoning the island. For the first time in 1,000 years, there were no foreign troops stationed in Malta. Four of the main activities for tourists and locals to take part in on Freedom Day are as follows: Malta is a small archipelago of seven islands, but it has a rich history that is extremely unique. It had long been passed back and forth by empire builders, but on March 31st, 1979, it became 100 percent independent in every respect. Those visiting Malta on Freedom Day will have chance to celebrate this fact with the locals and to learn about Maltese culture and history.

MT GQ ZA
📅 holiday Apr 3

Good Friday

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