Why We Celebrate Malta’s Independence Day

Today, Monday 21 September, Malta celebrates Independence Day, marking 62 years since the country gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1964.

The occasion is one of Malta's five national holidays and commemorates a defining moment in the nation's history, when Malta became an independent state after centuries under foreign rule.

Throughout its history, the islands were governed by several powers, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St John, the French and, finally, the British.

The Maltese people's courage during the Second World War was recognised with the award of the George Cross in 1942, while constitutional developments in the years that followed paved the way for full independence.

On 21 September 1964, Malta officially became an independent member of the Commonwealth. Ten years later, on 13 December 1974, the country became a republic, replacing the British monarch as Head of State with a Maltese President.

British military forces later departed Malta in 1979, an event now commemorated annually as Freedom Day.

Today, Independence Day is marked by official ceremonies, wreath-laying tributes and national celebrations across the country.

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