Freedom Day in Malta
Freedom Day, Malta’s national holiday on 31 March, commemorates the departure of the last British vessels in 1979 and the end of Malta’s use as a British military base. It is a paid holiday under Maltese employment rules, with official commemorations and a traditional regatta among the events recorded for the day.[1][2][3]
A national holiday on 31 March
Malta’s Public Holidays page says public holidays are regulated by the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act, Chapter 252. The Department for Industrial and Employment Relations lists 31 March as Freedom Day among Malta’s national holidays and says there are fourteen paid holidays in a year.[1][2]
There is no substitute date listed for Freedom Day. Under the employment rules described by the Department, a whole-time employee whose national or public holiday falls on a Saturday, Sunday or weekly rest day is entitled to an additional day of vacation leave in that calendar year. Part-time and reduced-hours employees receive the entitlement on a pro-rata basis.[2][4]
What Freedom Day commemorates
Freedom Day marks 31 March 1979, when the last British vessels left Malta and the country was no longer used as a British military base. The Maltese Government describes the anniversary as commemorating the day Malta gained its freedom.[3]
Ceremonies and the regatta
A government programme for the anniversary has recorded a march by the Armed Forces of Malta to the Freedom Monument in Birgu, followed by a ceremony on Freedom Hill. The programme included a national salute, the Freedom Day anthem, a fanfare, flowers laid at the monument and the national anthem.[3]
The same programme described a traditional regatta in the Grand Harbour in Valletta, organised by the National Regatta Association with SportMalta. It included several boat races. The programme documents these observances, but schedules and race details may vary between editions.[3]
Work and practical effects
Freedom Day is a paid national holiday, though pay and work arrangements are set out under the applicable Wage Regulation Order or the national standard. The Central Bank of Malta says it is closed on public holidays and includes 31 March, Freedom Day, in its public and bank holiday list. Check opening hours with each shop, school or transport provider before making plans.[2][4][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is Freedom Day in Malta?
It is observed every year on 31 March.[2]
Is Freedom Day a day off work?
It is one of Malta’s paid national holidays. Specific pay and work arrangements depend on the applicable employment rules.[2]
Does the holiday move if 31 March falls on a weekend?
What events take place?
Official programmes have included a ceremony at the Freedom Monument in Birgu and a traditional regatta in the Grand Harbour. Check current local announcements for that year’s arrangements.[3]
Are banks open?
The Central Bank of Malta lists itself as closed on public holidays and includes Freedom Day in its holiday calendar. Check with other banks for their own arrangements.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Freedom Day in Malta:
- Public Holidays in Malta- Government of Malta
- National and Public Holidays- Department for Industrial and Employment Relations, Government of Malta
- FREEDOM DAY - FRIDAY, 31ST MARCH 2023- Department of Information, Government of Malta
- Vacation Leave- Department for Industrial and Employment Relations, Government of Malta
- Opening Times- Central Bank of Malta