Independence Day in Malta
Malta observes Independence Day on 21 September, the date set for the country’s independence in 1964. It is also Malta’s National Day and a public holiday, with formal national observances arranged under Maltese law.[1][2][3]
What the day marks
The date comes from the Malta Independence Order 1964, which appointed 21 September 1964 as the day the country’s new constitutional arrangements took effect. Malta’s government identifies Independence Day as a national holiday and lists it on 21 September.[1][2]
The holiday has a specific place in Malta’s calendar: the 1989 amendment to the national holidays law established 21 September as Jum l-Indipendenza and Malta’s National Day. It is distinct from the country’s other national holidays, which mark different milestones in Maltese history.[3]
Official observances
Maltese law makes Independence Day a public holiday and provides for the Maltese flag to be flown on public buildings. It also says that the Prime Minister may give directions for the day’s celebration.[3]
A government-published programme for an Independence Day celebration has included a military march and guard of honour, a Mass and Te Deum, wreath-laying at the Independence Monument in Floriana, and a concert. These are documented examples of official observances; the programme can vary from year to year.[4]
A public holiday and work entitlements
The Department for Industrial and Employment Relations describes public holidays as paid entitlements for employees. The applicable arrangements depend on the employee’s work roster and sector: the rules can provide normal pay for a day off, additional pay for work on the holiday, or extra vacation leave when the holiday falls on a scheduled day off.[5]
If Independence Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a 2021 amendment provides an additional day of vacation leave for the holiday, on top of the year’s basic leave entitlement. This provision concerns leave entitlement; the official date remains 21 September.[1][6]
Planning around the holiday
Check directly with the office, bank, shop, attraction or transport service you plan to use, especially if you need an appointment or a particular connection.[1][5]
The documented ceremony programme is centred on Valletta and Floriana. For event details, consult an official announcement for the relevant celebration.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Independence Day in Malta?
Is Independence Day a public holiday?
Do employees always get the day off?
The holiday is a paid entitlement, but whether an employee works and how the entitlement is handled depends on the roster and applicable sector rules. Check the relevant employment terms if you need a definite answer.[5]
Is there a substitute day if 21 September falls on a weekend?
A 2021 amendment provides an additional vacation-leave day when a national or public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday. It does not describe moving Independence Day to a different calendar date.[6]
Are shops, banks and transport services open?
Check with the bank, shop, attraction or transport operator before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence Day in Malta:
- Public Holidays in Malta- Government of Malta
- Malta Independence Order 1964- Government of Malta, Legislation Malta
- National Day and other Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 1989- House of Representatives of Malta
- PRESS RELEASE BY FESTIVALS MALTA National Independence Day Celebrations 2026- Government of Malta, Festivals Malta
- Public Holiday Entitlements- Department for Industrial and Employment Relations, Government of Malta
- National Holidays and other Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2021- Parliament of Malta