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sportsEvent

Victory Day Regatta

Traditional rowing races in the Grand Harbour on 8 September

WhenFixed date: 8 September, a public holiday. In 2027 it falls on Wednesday 8 September. The regatta traditionally runs in the afternoon; confirm the 2027 racing programme and any reserve date. In 2026 the reserve was Saturday 12 September.
WhereValletta and the Three Cities, Valletta and the Grand Harbour
CostAs of November 2026: free to watch from public waterfronts
FrequencyAnnual
Type
Sports
When
September
Duration
1 day
Location
Valletta and the Three Cities
Cost
As of November 2026: free to watch from public waterfronts
Frequency
Annual
Attendance
Big local crowds from the competing harbour towns
Family friendly
Yes
First held
Victory Day marks the end of the Great Siege of 1565
Local name
Il-Vitorja (Victory Day) and ir-Regatta
Best arrival
Late morning, to claim a waterfront spot before the afternoon races
What to wear
Light clothes, a hat and sunglasses
Food highlights
Waterfront snack kiosksPastizziEvening festa food in Senglea
Warnings
Races can move to a reserve date in bad weatherSeptember sun is strongSupporters' rivalry can get loud
What to bring
WaterSun protectionBinocularsA folding stool
The overview

Victory Day Regatta

Victory Day, 8 September, is a national holiday that commemorates the end of the Great Siege of 1565, along with the end of the French occupation in 1800 and the Italian armistice in 1943. State ceremonies take place at the Great Siege monument in Valletta. In the afternoon, the Grand Harbour hosts the national regatta.

The regatta is a contest of traditional Maltese rowing boats raced over a set course inside the harbour, contested by clubs from the harbour towns, including Birgu, Senglea and Bormla in the Three Cities, with keen rivalry between the towns. Transport Malta closes the racecourse to other shipping for the day and named a reserve date for the 2026 event in case of bad weather.

Where to watch

Spectators line the waterfronts on both sides of the harbour, and the Senglea and Birgu quays offer harbour viewpoints. The Upper Barrakka Gardens give a wide view from above. In the evening, parishes dedicated to Our Lady of Victories, including Senglea, Naxxar, Mellieha and Xaghra on Gozo, hold their festa.

  • Free to watch from public waterfronts.
  • Harbour ferry and boat traffic is restricted during the races, so allow extra time crossing between Valletta and the Three Cities.
  • Early September is still hot: bring a hat, water and shade.

For the siege history, visit Fort St Angelo and Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What does Victory Day commemorate?

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The end of the Great Siege of 1565, along with the end of the French occupation in 1800 and the Italian armistice in 1943. It is a national holiday on 8 September.

What is the regatta?

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A race of traditional Maltese rowing boats in the Grand Harbour, between clubs from the harbour towns. The Victory Day event traditionally takes place on 8 September; confirm the current racing programme.

When does the regatta start?

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In the afternoon of 8 September, with state ceremonies also taking place in Valletta. Check the current programme for any reserve date.

Where is the best place to watch?

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The waterfronts of Senglea and Birgu put you close to the races, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta give a wide view of the harbour.

Is there anything on in the evening?

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Yes. Parishes dedicated to Our Lady of Victories, such as Senglea, Naxxar, Mellieha and Xaghra on Gozo, celebrate their feast.
Plan your visit

Victory Day Regatta

When
Fixed date: 8 September, a public holiday. In 2027 it falls on Wednesday 8 September. The regatta traditionally runs in the afternoon; confirm the 2027 racing programme and any reserve date. In 2026 the reserve was Saturday 12 September.
Duration: 1 day
Location
Grand Harbour racecourse, Valletta and the Three Cities
Valletta and the Grand Harbour
Cost
Free
This event is in The Three Cities →