Sette Giugno

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Civic Historical
Where:: Malta
Date change rule:: Every June 7
Holiday emoji:: 🇲🇹

Sette Giugno commemorates a pivotal moment in Malta’s history every June 7. This national holiday honors the four Maltese citizens killed during the 1919 uprisings against British rule, a key event leading to self-governance. Reflect on Malta’s journey, learn about its heroes, and support historical preservation efforts.

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Expected Sette Giugno Deals

As a solemn national holiday rooted in historical remembrance, Sette Giugno typically focuses on civic observances rather than commercial deals. Maltese organizations dedicated to historical preservation, human rights, or national heritage may host educational events or fundraising drives. Local businesses often close in observance, and families gather for quiet reflection. We encourage supporting organizations like the National Archives of Malta or the Malta Historical Society. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as June 7 approaches.

Platform Guide for Sette Giugno

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SetteGiugno. Share historical facts, archival photos, or reflections on Malta’s path to independence.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SetteGiugno. Share personal stories or historical insights about the day’s significance in Maltese culture.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SetteGiugno. Post images of historical sites in Malta or commemorative events, reflecting on the day’s importance.

Sette Giugno Hero

The Four Victims of Sette Giugno

On June 7, 1919, following widespread unrest over rising costs and lack of self-governance, British troops fired into a crowd of Maltese protestors. Manuel Attard, Giuseppe Bajada, Lorenzo Dyer, and Carmelo Abela tragically lost their lives, becoming martyrs for Malta's struggle for independence. Their sacrifice galvanized the Maltese national movement, leading to greater political autonomy and eventually full independence. Their memory is honored annually as a cornerstone of Maltese national identity.

History of Sette Giugno

Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea has made the islands a vital site from classical times, with the islands changing from one monarch to the next over the centuries. The British helped Malta remove the occupying French army in 1800, and the Maltese people petitioned to become a sovereign nation inside the British Empire. This was formalized in 1815 by the Treaty of Paris. Following the end of World War I, tensions had risen due to the colonial government’s failure to secure basic supplies for the island. As a result, some merchants were perceived to have profited from the scenario, while others fared poorly.

Some were skeptical of a change in the governor of the island in early June 1919, and on June 7, a crowd began removing British flags from buildings. The mob rose in number and turned their focus to the residences of merchants who had profited from the recent supply shortages. A standoff between the mob and the army ended in tragedy, with the military shooting and killing three protestors and injuring fifty more. The rebellion lasted a few days, during which time a fourth citizen died as a result of injuries sustained while fighting arrest. The rebellion was brief, but its impact was significant: within two years, a new constitution granting the Maltese people more control, was in place, followed by an election.

The Sette Giugno monument was unveiled in Valletta’s Palace Square in 1986. The Maltese Parliament designated the day as one of the island’s five national holidays, with the first formal commemoration taking place on June 7, 1989.

Sette Giugno timeline

1916

Dockyard Employees Form a Union

The Dockyard employees go on strike after being promised a 10% wage raise that is widely seen as insufficient to keep up with the expense of living.

1919

Riots by the Maltese Masses

On June 7 the riots by the Maltese population begin, which reflect the unsatisfactory state of Malta’s economic and political life.

1986

Sette Giugno Monument Unveiled

The Sette Giugno Monument is unveiled in Valletta’s Palace Square, which is where the ceremony now takes place.

1989

Official Remembrance of the Day

The Maltese Parliament designates the day as one of the island’s five national holidays, with the formal commemoration taking place this year.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Sette Giugno

Local Maltese businesses can respectfully acknowledge Sette Giugno by observing the national holiday and educating their staff and customers about its significance. Restaurants might offer traditional Maltese dishes, while shops could display informational placards about the 1919 events. Collaborating with local historical societies for educational initiatives or supporting preservation efforts can also be meaningful ways to participate.

Sette Giugno FAQs

When is Sette Giugno?

In 2027, Sette Giugno will be observed on Monday, June 7. This national holiday provides an important opportunity for reflection on Malta’s historical journey.

What happened on Sette Giugno?

Sette Giugno commemorates the tragic events of June 7, 1919, when Maltese protestors faced violent suppression from British troops. The deaths of four individuals on this day are remembered as a turning point in Malta’s struggle for national identity and political rights.

How many national holidays does Malta have?

As one of Malta’s five national holidays, Sette Giugno holds a special place in the country’s calendar. It stands alongside other important dates marking independence, republic day, and religious observances.

Is Sette Giugno a public holiday in Malta?

Absolutely, Sette Giugno is recognized as a full public holiday across Malta. This allows the Maltese people to participate in commemorative events and reflect on their nation’s history.

How to Observe Sette Giugno

Attend the remembrance
Attend the remembrance of the 1919 Riot in Valletta’s St. George’s Square or a similar event in Xaghra. This is followed by a wreath-laying ceremony over a Sette Giugno monument.
Watch the band march
A band march is held in Valletta’s St. George Square in front of the Sette Giugno commemorative monument. It is followed by a speech from the Prime Minister.
Visit the National Library of Malta
It houses historical records that make it appear almost like a museum of Maltese history. It also holds a vast collection of Maltese authors’ writings.

5 Interesting Facts About Malta That You Never Knew

Water from the ocean
Maltese people’s drinking water is filtered directly from the ocean and this is because the country lacks surface waters such as lakes and rivers, it must rely on the ocean for fresh water.
Rabbit stew is the national dish
The national dish of Malta, also known as ‘Stuffat tal-Fenek’, has been relished for centuries.
One-of-a-kind bakery treats
Malta is well-known for its delicious cuisine, and local bakeries play an important role, with various bread and pastries such as Pastizzi and Qassatat.
Location of iconic Game of Thrones sequence
Malta was the location for some of the most iconic sequences from the renowned T.V. show.
Paradise on the blue lagoon
The majority of the water surrounding Malta is a typical Mediterranean blue and is a renowned tourist destination on the island of Comino that has been attracting visitors for years!

Why Sette Giugno is Important

A day of remembrance
Sette Giugno is a day to remember those who died in 1919. Commemorate this day with us.
Huge impact on class differences
It was a spontaneous and violent uprising by the Maltese masses against Malta’s privileged class. It was also an uprising against British soldiers in response to increased bread prices.
Malta’s first revolution
It represents a major step in the fight against colonialism and the establishment of the labor movement and trade unions. We celebrate the fight for freedom on this day!