Malta is an island country located in the center of the Mediterranean. This beautiful country, although small, has a very rich history.
For over 200 years, a sporting, more precisely, rowing event has been held in this Southern European country, which aims to ‘Move a nation through the promotion and development of sport for a healthy, inclusive and successful Malta.’
The first professional Rowing Challenge started in 1955 and today it is known under the name – The Maltese National Regatta.
The Traditional Regatta takes place twice a year!
The traditional rowing event is twice a year. The first event is on the 31st of March, which is Freedom Day to commemorate the withdrawal of the British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979, while the second event is on today’s day, the 8th of September, which is also known in Malta as Victory Day.
Through these two events, people are encouraged to play sports for their own health and at the same time to celebrate important historical dates.
The regatta lasts between four and five hours, and the crews are rowing teams from cities such as Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett (Valletta), Senglea, Vittoriosa, Siġġiewi as well as Birzebbuga. They participate in 10 races in 2 categories, and to further enhance the event, they use traditional Maltese boats – ‘frejgatini’, ‘kajjikki’ and ‘dghajjes tal-pass and tal-medals.
The colors that were previously attached to the masts for identification purposes have changed significantly during the years. Nowadays teams are divided by traditional colors: Birzebbuga (Red-White-Blue); Cospicua (Light Blue); Kalkara (Green); Mars (Red-Blue); Marsamxett (Valletta) (Yellow); Senglea (Red – Yellow); Siġġiewi (orange) and Vittoriosa (Red).
The 1,040-meter race course is set in Valletta’s Grand Harbor where the majestic St Angelo Fort provides an imposing backdrop to the elegant and colorful Maltese boats.
The races can be viewed from the water’s edge of the three cities –Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea or from Valletta, so if you are nearby – don’t miss this magnificent event!
If you are not able to watch the regatta in person, you can follow the results by clicking here.
In addition, you can watch it live on tvmnews+.
