The Feast Of Our Lady Of Victories
Celebrated as not only a religious holiday but also a national day, the Feast of Our Lady of Victories is observed annually on September 8th in Malta. Although no one really knows when the Blessed Virgin Mary was born, according to tradition, September 8th is her birth date.
Malta (National holiday)This holiday commemorates that date and is exactly nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary—a feast day that dates back to the seventh century. The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is observed with religious ceremonies on September 8th, but since it’s a public holiday, it’s also a day off for the general population.
The History of the Feast of Our Lady of Victories
This feast day originated in the fifth century in Jerusalem as the Feast of the Basilica of Saint Anne. This basilica is said to have been built on the site where Mary’s parents had their home, although there is no evidence to support this claim.
The feast continued to be celebrated for the next couple of hundred years until it was brought to Rome by Byzantine monks during the seventh century. Eventually, the feast day crossed over into Western Europe over the next couple of hundred years, where it was rebranded as the Feast of Our Lady of Victories.
Observing the Feast of Our Lady of Victories
This day is a public holiday, so it’s a day off for the general population, and many schools, businesses, and government offices are closed for the day. There is also a parade by the Armed Forces of Malta on this day—a day that also happens to be Victory Day.
A symbolic garland is placed at the monument of the Great Siege to commemorate the victims of the war. Feasts are held all across Malta as well, particularly in Naxxar, Senglea, Xagħra, and Mellieħa.
Malta (National holiday)
