On 8 September, Victory Day, in celebration of Malta's triumph in two historic events, Heritage Malta will open the majestic Fort St Angelo to the public at a reduced admission price, with a special programme of activities entitled A Tale of Two Sieges.
Victory Day commemorates two high points in Maltese history - the victorious end of the Great Siege on 8 September 1565, when the Ottoman forces gave up their attempts to take over the islands after three months of relentless fighting and heavy losses, and the date when the surrender of Fascist Italy was made public in 1943, giving Malta a breather in the Second World War. By sheer coincidence, the birth of the Virgin Mary is also celebrated on this day.
The day will start with mass at 10am in the chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin, followed by a commemoration at the Victory of the Great Siege monument, with the participation of the first Cospicua Scout Group, Sea Cadets Malta and the National Festivities Committee.
The afternoon will be enlivened by various local re-enactment groups, depicting aspects from the late 16th century up to World War II. The participating groups are Show of Arms, the Malta Historical Fencing Association, the Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta, Malta Command WW2 Living History Group and Battlefields Living History Reenactment Troops Malta.
The fort will be open from 10am to 6pm, with last admissions at 5.30pm, allowing the public to also enjoy advantageous views of this year's Regatta, alongside a bar selling drinks and snacks. The event will include access to the upper parts of the fort which are administered by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Tickets for the event may only be purchased at the door on the day. Tickets cost €3 for adults, seniors and students. Children up to 11 years of age and Heritage Malta members, presenting their membership card, will be admitted free of charge. Heritage Malta passports are not applicable for this event.
On the day Heritage Malta will be launching two new publications with regard to the 80th anniversary since the surrender of the Italian navy in 1943. The authors of both publications will be present. The publications will also qualify for the popular three for two offer (cheapest item for free).