The Grand Harbour Regatta is rowed on 8 September, Victory Day, and watching it costs nothing.
Crews from the harbour towns race traditional boats across the water off the Valletta waterfront.
What happens
Racing runs through the afternoon in several classes, with the main finals late on.
The boats are frejgatini, dgħajjes tal-pass and kajjikki — wooden hulls rowed standing up, in the town colours.
Birgu, Senglea, Bormla, Kalkara, Marsa and Marsamxett field the crews, and the rivalry between them is old and serious.
The winning town takes the aiħa shield, and it is carried through the streets that night.
Where to watch
- The Valletta waterfront at Pinto Wharf, level with the course.
- The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, looking down on the whole harbour.
- The Birgu and Senglea waterfronts, where the crews come ashore.
All of it is free. Get in position by early afternoon, because the good spots go.
The rest of the day
8 September is a public holiday, so banks and most shops are shut and buses run a Sunday timetable.
Four villages hold their festa the same day — Mellieħa, Naxxar, Senglea and Xagħra — so the evening carries fireworks as well.
Senglea is the one to pick if you want the regatta and a feast without moving.
Driving into Valletta is charged on a weekday, and the harbour roads are busy. Take the ferry.