The 7th of June, also known as Sette Giugno, is one of Malta’s five national holidays. Unfortunately, Sette Giugno signifies nothing more than a day off work and the opportunity to enjoy a drink by the sea. While we acknowledge that sipping that cocktail is a pleasurable experience in and of itself, we also believe it is essential to learn about Malta’s history and why they celebrate national holidays.
Sette Giugno, or ‘Seventh of June’ in Italian, is an annual Maltese national celebration commemorating events on June 7, 1919. Following a series of uprisings by the Maltese populace, British forces opened fire on the gathering, killing four and injuring fifty individuals.
The background of Sette Giugno
Due to Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, the islands have been a vital site since ancient times, passing from monarch to monarch over the centuries. In 1800, the British assisted Malta in removing the occupying French army, and the Maltese people petitioned to become an independent nation within the British Empire. This was formalised by the Treaty of Paris in 1815. As a result of the colonial government’s inability to secure basic supplies for the island, tensions had escalated following the conclusion of World War I. Consequently, some merchants were viewed as having benefited from the scenario, while others were viewed as having suffered.
Beginning on June 7, 1919, a crowd began removing British flags from structures in response to scepticism regarding a change in the island’s governor. The crowd grew in size and turned its attention to the homes of merchants who had benefited from recent supply shortages. The confrontation between the mob and the army ended tragically, with the military shooting and murdering three protestors and injuring fifty others. During the rebellion’s brief duration, a fourth citizen succumbed to injuries sustained while resisting arrest. The rebellion was fleeting, but its effects were significant: within two years, a new constitution that granted the Maltese people greater control was in place, followed by an election.
In 1986, the Sette Giugno monument was inaugurated in Valletta’s Palace Square. The day was designated as one of the island’s five national holidays by the Maltese Parliament, with the first official commemoration occurring on June 7, 1989.
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5 previously unknown interesting facts about Malta
Due to the dearth of surface waters such as lakes and rivers, the drinking water for the Maltese is filtered directly from the ocean.
The Maltese national cuisine, also known as ‘Stuffat tal-Fenek’, has been enjoyed for centuries.
Local bakeries such as Pastizzi and Qassatat play a significant role in the cuisine of Malta, which is well-known for its delectable dishes.
Malta was the setting for some of the most iconic scenes from the popular television series.
The majority of the water encircling Malta is the typical Mediterranean blue, and the island of Comino has been a popular tourist destination for decades!
SETTE GIUGNO DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | June 7 | Wednesday |
2024 | June 7 | Friday |
2025 | June 7 | Saturday |
2026 | June 7 | Sunday |
2027 | June 7 | Monday |