| Republic Day | |
|---|---|
 The Republic Day monument in Zejtun. | |
| Also called | Freedom Day |
| Observed by | Malta |
| Significance | Celebrates the transformation of the country to a republic. |
| Observances |
|
| Date | 13 December |
| Next time | 13 December 2025 (2025-12-13) |
| Frequency | annual |
Republic Day (Maltese: Jum ir-Repubblika) is a public holiday celebrated inMalta on 13 December. It celebrates the anniversary of the creation of theRepublic of Malta in 1974, and the ending of the role ofElizabeth II asQueen of Malta, under which SirAnthony Mamo, the lastGovernor-General, was sworn in as the firstPresident. British troops did not leave the country until 31 March 1979.
The main state sponsored celebrations take place in the center of the country's capital,Valletta. The National Festivities Committee is responsible for organizing Republic Day events annually.[1][2][3][4]
ThePresident of Malta usually presents awards to those who have served Malta in the military/political sphere and public figures who are considered to be effective representatives of the country.
A fireworks display is annually held over the Grand Harbour.
A wreath laying ceremony is held at the Republic Day Monument inMarsa. Monuments are also erected during the holiday for wreath laying procedures.
A traditionalTrooping the Colour ceremony and parade is the main military event that takes place on the day. The parade takes place inSt. George’s Square inValletta, where the Presidential Colour is trooped through the ranks of theArmed Forces of Malta. The salute is taken by thePresident of Malta, in their position as the commander in chief of the AFM. It is similar to the British version of the ceremony, with the parade being composed of 1 Colour Escort Guard and 3 other Guard units, accompanied by theArmed Forces of Malta Band. In the march-past, two marches are performed,By Land and Sea (for the march in slow time) andThe British Grenadiers (for the march in quick time). At the conclusion of the ceremony, the guards perform a ceremonialFeu de joie.
Media related toRepublic Day (Malta) at Wikimedia Commons
