Every year on 7th September, the historic city of Birgu, Vittoriosa, comes alive to commemorate its glorious past and the important role it played in Malta’s history. Known as Jum il-Birgu, this special day is dedicated to the city, its people, its heritage and the remarkable events that shaped its identity.
The date of 7th September was deliberately chosen because of its strong connection with the Great Siege of Malta of 1565, one of the defining episodes in the history of the Maltese Islands. Birgu stood at the heart of the struggle during the siege and became a symbol of courage, resilience and victory. It was following the events of the Great Siege that the city earned the prestigious name Vittoriosa – the Victorious City, in recognition of the crucial role it played in the defence of Malta.
The legacy of those historic events remains deeply rooted in Birgu. Among the important reminders of the city's connection with the Knights of St John is the treasured image of Our Lady holding the Child Jesus. The sacred icon was associated with the celebrations held by the Knights following their victory and became an important part of Birgu's religious and historical heritage.
Today, the icon preserved in the Church of the Annunciation and St Dominic in Birgu is a copy of the original image. Sadly, the original was destroyed during the Second World War, when Malta suffered extensive bombardment and destruction. The present copy therefore carries particular significance, preserving the memory of an important devotional image and maintaining a tangible link with the Knights of St John and the city's historic past.
A Day Dedicated to Vittoriosa
The Birgu Local Council once again marks Jum il-Birgu with a programme of commemorative events designed to honour the city's past and remind present generations of the extraordinary history of Vittoriosa.
The celebrations will include a symbolic ceremony in front of the monument commemorating the Victory of the Great Siege, located in the city's square. The ceremony will provide an opportunity for the community to pause and reflect on the sacrifice, determination and bravery associated with the historic victory.
In the evening, an official ceremony will be held at Couvre Porte, one of the most significant historic entrances to the fortified city. The setting itself provides a powerful backdrop to the commemoration, surrounded by the fortifications that bear witness to Birgu's strategic importance throughout the centuries.
Remembering the Past, Celebrating the City
Jum il-Birgu is more than an annual event. It is an opportunity for Birgu to celebrate its unique identity and to pass its extraordinary history from one generation to the next.
From the narrow streets and historic buildings to its churches, fortifications and monuments, every corner of Vittoriosa tells a story. The events of 1565 remain particularly central to that story, reminding us of the determination of those who stood within the city's walls during one of the most important chapters in Malta's history.
As Birgu commemorates Jum il-Birgu on 7th September, the city once again pays tribute to its past while looking towards the future. It is a day to remember why this small fortified city earned the proud title Vittoriosa – the Victorious City, and to celebrate the heritage that continues to make Birgu one of Malta's most remarkable historic cities.
