Annual Rowing Regatta

The 8th September is a special public holiday in Malta commemorating three events.
It is the religious feast celebrating the birth of the Holy Virgin, Maria Bambina; the day on which the Great Siege of 1565 ended and also the day on which the Italian Navy capitulated to the British during the Second World War. The feast is celebrated in the villages and towns of Senglea, Naxxar, Mellieha and Xaghra on Gozo. 

A rowing regatta is held every year in Grand Harbour on the day to commemorate the Great Siege.
This tradition was started in 1642, but it became an annual event from 1878.
The regatta is both a competitive event and great fun for participants and spectators. Traditional rowing boats from six Harbour towns compete on a mile-long course from Marsa to the Customs House below Valletta. This colourful event is a source of great local pride.