This national holiday commemorates the victory of the Knights Hospitaller over the Ottoman Turks in the Great Siege of 1565, as well as the surrender of Italy in 1943, turning against its former Nazi German ally during World War II thus ending the Second Siege of Malta.
There are parades, military bands and of course the traditional regatta featuring boat races in the Grand Harbour, a tradition first started in 1642 which then became an annual event in 1878.
This live web cam feed shows the Grand Harbour where the boat races are held.
Local info:
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, colloquially known as Il-Belt (English: The City) in Maltese. It is located in the central-eastern portion of the island of Malta and the city proper has a population of 6,098.
Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller). The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas, though World War II left major scars on the city. The City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.
