The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta

When did the The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta start?

The first recorded date of The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta being celebrated on September 8 was in the year 1565.

About The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta Holiday

Welcome to 'The Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Malta', one of Malta's most beloved and celebrated holidays! This year marks the 354th celebration, and we warmly welcome all of you who have gathered to commemorate this special occasion.

This celebration is held in honor of the victory of Great Siege of Malta, a significant battle period of the island of Malta during the 16th century. It is a delicate reminder of how far the Maltese people have come and an acknowledgment of the resilience of their culture over the centuries since then.

This year the celebration will take place on September 8th and the day will be filled with magnificent displays of music, dance, and fireworks. The principality of Malta will light up with the sights and sounds of joyful celebration; a fitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Maltese people. We sincerely hope you all have the chance to join us in commemorating this important holiday and take advantage of the beautiful events that come with it.

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The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta

The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta is a public holiday celebrated honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It takes place on the 8th of September each year, and has its roots in ancient Catholic devotion.

History and Origin

The holiday can trace its origins thousands of years back to the Middle Ages, when the Order of Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem assumed responsibility of Malta in 1530 AD. This event marked the beginning of a new era in Maltese history, and it is believed that on the very same day, the 8th of September 1530, the Christmas Novena was held. It was not until 1716, however, when Grandmaster António Manoel de Vilhena renamed the Novena to despite its present day name, ‘The Feast of Our Lady of Victories’ in honour of a major naval victory over the Ottomans. This was followed by the building of a Basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the same year, making it the national sanctuary of Malta.

The holiday was celebrated for around two centuries, however, during the French occupation, it was abolished and it was not until 1931, the year of declaration of Malta as a British Dominion, that an Act of the Maltese Parliament was exercised to set aside 24 days for the celebration of the religious Triad, including the Feast of Our Lady of Victories.

Significance and Meaning

For the people of Malta, the Feast of Our Lady of Victories is a strongly spiritual event imbued with much significance and meaning, filled with tradition and family. The holiday marks the start of the Malta’s much-celebrated season of festivals, which continues on to August 15th which is a national holiday.

In the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her victory over the forces of evil forms a major theme. As such, the Feast celebrates its protection of our island nation and the divine intervention that saw us through moments of danger and devastation. People in Malta remain historically faithful and devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the event provides a focal point for this devotion and faith.

Traditions and Celebrations

On the 8th of September each year, people of Malta flock to the capital city of Valletta to witness and partake in the day’s celebrations. People from all walks of life congregate in what is Marellerja (Our Lady’s Square), where a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in centre of the square. Grandmasters of the Order of St. John and the Archbishop of the country traditionally lead the sporting parade, drawing attention to the public holiday.

Throughout the day the city is transformed into a festive heart of music and dancing which continues into the night. Traditional folk dances, such as tal-għana, tal-Ħaddiema and ġilju, are performed and enjoyed by both young and old alike. In the evening Malta’s sky is lit up by a spectacular Maltese firework show.

Geographical Spread

The traditional celebrations related to the Feast of Our Lady of Victories are seen mainly in Malta’s capital Valletta, as well as several towns on the islands, such as Floriana, Żabbar, and Birgu. In other regions, celebrations such as feasts and banquets continue on, though their importance and significance vary.

The holiday is still celebrated in Malta and in certain countries with historical and cultural ties to the island, such as some African and Latin American nations. Though the holiday is not as widely celebrated as it once was, it can still be found in certain regions around the world.

Modern Day Observations

In the modern era, the Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta continues to be celebrated, albeit with a contemporary twist. With increased access to technology, many hands-on activities are turning to an internet-based format to humble the idea of collecting donations, which is the main point of the celebration. It is a way to offer support and money to Malta’s most needy and vulnerable, enabling them to purchase goods and services they are not able to afford otherwise.

While the core principles of the holiday remain the same, the celebrations have adapted to the changing times. Home Flyers, a Malta-based firework company, is a testament to this as they launch a unique ‘Sky Star’ firework show that rains colors and lights up the sky facing Valletta.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is one of Malta’s oldest surviving public holidays.
• The Novena, or nine days of prayer, is still celebrated by the Maltese today and forms a key element of the church service held on the day of the Feast.
• The first parade related to the Feast of Our Lady of Victories began in 1621, under the rule of Grandmaster Wignacourt.
• St. Publius was the first Bishop of Malta and is believed to have presented a relic to the church, which is still revered today.
• The main procession is normally followed by a mass and a blessing of the statue of Our Lady of Victories and then a march through the center of Valletta.
• Traditional Maltese fenkati are one of the beloved delicacies associated with the celebration, as are figolli, a type of almond biscuit.

Holiday Wishes

• On this lovely Feast day, may you be filled with joy and peace.
• Wishing you joy and success in life during the Feast of Our Lady of Victories.
• May the Blessings of Our Lady of Victories be upon you and your family.
• This special day, I wish you all a blessed and joyful celebration.
• On this most special day, sending my warmest wishes to you and yours.

Holiday Messages

• Wishing you and your family a blessed Feast day filled with joy and happiness.
• On this joyful day, may the spirit of the Blessed Virgin be with you and your loved ones.
• May you be filled with great hope and peace during the Feast of Our Lady of Victories.
• May your family be embraced in love as you celebrate Our Lady of Victories and all she stands for.
• Wishing you a day filled with the beauty and grace of Our Lady of Victories.

Holiday Quotes

• “O blessed Lady of Victories,
you are our hope and protection.
Pray for us, that Our Lord may grant
grace, mercy and salvation.” – Anonymous
• “May the Holy Father,
in His infinite mercy,
through the intercession of Our Lady of Victories,
grant us safety and peace.” – Anonymous
• “In faith and with devotion,
let us honor the Blessed Virgin today,
with hearts full of joy,
in the Feast of Our Lady of Victories.” – Anonymous
• “Blessed be thy name,
Our Lady of Victories.
Touch us with your grace,
and we shall be granted peace.” – Anonymous
• “In this day of joy,
of prayer and love.
Let us remember with gratitude,
Our Lady of Victories.” – Anonymous

Other Popular Holiday Info

The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta is widely celebrated by schools and organizations throughout the island, and can be seen as a reflection of the country’s traditions, customs, and cultural identity. It is a reminder of the country’s Christian heritage and the devotion of the people to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In recent years, the government has designated the holiday as a day of service, dedicated to helping those less fortunate. To help commemorate the day, banks, schools, and stores close for the day to give those in need a hand. During the holiday season, a special mass is held in honour of the Feast at the Valletta Basilica, and many of the local churches and parish churches in other towns observe the Feast with its own functions and services.

Though the holiday is not as grand as it was centuries ago, it still keeps its crucial part in the lives of the Maltese. The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta is an important reminder of the deep-rooted history engrained in Malta and the devotion due to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta Also Called
Feast of the Assumption.
Countries where "The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta" is celebrated:

FUN FACT:
In year 1565, The Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta is celebrated on September 8 for the first time.

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