Freedom Day in Malta, Jum il-Ħelsien in Maltese, is one of the Maltese national holidays and is celebrated annually on 31 March. This is the anniversary of the withdrawal of the last British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979.
The Maltese had already acquired Independence from the British on 21st September 1964, when the first Maltese Government was elected. However, a lease agreement allowed the British authorities use of the island as a military and naval base. On taking power in 1971, the Labour Government wanted to re-negotiate the lease agreement with the United Kingdom as this was going to expire in 1972. A new agreement was signed, following tense talks, whereby the lease was extended till the end of March 1979. On 31 March 1979 the last British Forces left Malta.
The official activities commemorating this day are usually very well-attended. The Freedom Memorial in Birgu is especially dedicated to this occasion, and the main activities commemorating the day take place here. It is an official affair that is attended by the President of Malta and the media.
More ceremonial celebrations take place at the War Memorial in Floriana. This is, again, a formal affair involving plenty of pomp and ceremony.
During Freedom Day in Malta there’s also the Regatta at the Grand Harbour on the day. Valletta, the Three Cities (Birgu, Bormla and Isla) and a few other coastal towns compete enthusiastically to the encouraging screams from the crowd in the first of two annual rowing race events in Malta; the other being on Victory Day (8th September).
Since Freedom Day in Malta is a public holiday, most shops will be closed on the day. However, restaurants and eateries will be open as usual.