Mary Lourdes Bonnici MBA

Il-Vitorja – 8 September: Three Victories, One Date, One Nation By Mary Lourdes Bonnici MBA Introduction Every year on 8 September , Malta pauses to commemorate one of the most significant dates in its national calendar: Jum il-Vitorja — Victory Day. Few dates in Maltese history carry so many layers of meaning. The 8th of September is associated with moments of conflict and survival, but also with faith, tradition, remembrance and national identity. It recalls major events separated by centuries, yet united by one remarkable date. It is also the religious feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Maria Bambina , celebrated with particular devotion in several Maltese and Gozitan communities. For this reason, Il-Vitorja is much more than another public holiday. It is a day that tells part of the story of Malta itself. The Great Siege of 1565 The first great historical event connected with 8 September is the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. For months, the Ottoman forces attempted t...