Malta Republic Day – December 13, 2026

History of Malta Republic Day

Malta was colonized by the French, and their aggression towards the Maltese Catholic traditions made the French very unpopular among the Maltese. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British came to the aid of Malta, which led to Malta seeking the protection of the British Empire. Malta became part of the British Empire in 1814, as convened in the Treaty of Paris that ended the Napoleonic Wars.

Malta gained independence from the British in 1964, but its initial Constitution still recognized Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State of Malta. Ten years later in 1974, Malta became a Republic but continued to be a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The 1964 Constitution had to be revised, and on December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic with the approval of a new constitution and an elected president as head of state. Sir Anthony Mamo became the first president of the Republic of Malta, succeeding in his position as Malta’s governor.

On Republic Day the President of Malta, on behalf of the Government and the people of Malta, honors those Maltese citizens who have made outstanding contributions to their field. Celebrations are held in the Presidential Palace in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. On Republic Street, a military parade is organized by the armed forces of Malta. The streets are decorated with hanging banners of the Maltese flag and the country’s colors, red and white. Several events are organized by the Malta Council for Culture and Arts. Popular Maltese folk dances such as the ‘il-Maltija’ and the ’parata’ are also performed at the parade. Fireworks displays are organized all over the archipelago of Malta.