Letters to the editor - August 26, 2025

Celebrating Malta 

Mark John Galea of Sliema writes:

In a previous letters, I wrote on the possibility of introducing a ‘Maltese National Day’. What would be its major implications? Given the fragmented society we live in, which seems to be divided by a lot of things and recent events that have been very negative in our country’s history, makes one think. Apart from the fact that, in the past, writers argued that the Maltese cultural identity has been put on the wayside and the Maltese language is being treated like a language for the kitchen.

An aerial shot of Valletta from around the 1930s. Photo: Giovanni Bonello collection

What does it mean to be Maltese? We are not some pushover nation or colony, like in the past, put aside by other supreme powers, but have gained quite an important place on the round table with other nations and even superpowers on the world stage. The power of our sovereignty and independence may provide a hint.

Malta has essentially become a small powerhouse that provides a different voice and opinion internationally. Being Maltese may mean the courage to stand up in certain circumstances where the old players seem to be lost in their thoughts and actions. 

This a reflection of where the Maltese stood in various instances of foreign rule. As illustrated in my previous articles, the word ‘fortitude’ may be one of the pieces of the puzzle to the Maltese identity. 

The ‘Maltese National Day’ would be a day to honour all Maltese both locally and around the world. When and how could this be celebrated? Let us be frank, this remains quite a controversial question indeed.

The day should celebrate the Maltese, culture, language and identity. It should be a day to remind us what it means to be Maltese. 

Imagine a day where Maltese is being honoured as a language that exists and can be considered a world language among all the other languages, like German, Spanish, English, French, Italian, Japanese and so much more.

The point being made is that, indeed, we have days when we celebrate the cut-off from our colonial past and feast days that significantly shaped the Christian faith in our country. However, I think it is high time there is a day that can celebrate Malta and the Maltese as a nation.

One could consider dates when events deemed significant for the Maltese occurred and when the nation’s development was boosted, even from an international perspective.

In my opinion, one day worth considering is when the foundation stone of Valletta was laid, that is March 28, 1566. 

This symbolises a new age in Maltese history, marking a new beginning after the end of the Great Siege, a time of reconstruction and renewal after so much strife and hardship.

It needs a lot of thought and discussion. I just hope I can get the ball rolling. This will give an opportunity for the Maltese to feel united as a people and country. 

To also celebrate a Maltese language, culture and nation that stand proud among all the nations of the world.