Mellieha

Mellieħa’s principal festa celebrates Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vitorja), also lovingly referred to as Il-Bambina, held on 8th September, which is a national holiday in Malta. It coincides with the historic Victory Day, marking the end of the Great Siege of 1565, the end of the French occupation in 1800, and Malta’s role in WWII. The festa is centred around the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, one of the oldest Marian shrines in Malta. Each year the celebrations grow even more elaborate and spectacular, with marching bands, live concerts featuring local and international acts, and colourful fireworks displays synchronised to music lighting up the main piazza, which offers sweeping views of the island’s northern coastline.