Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Inc.

Malta today celebrates 7 June honouring the 1919 uprising.

Sette Giugno, translated as 'Seventh of June' in Italian, stands as a pivotal Maltese national holiday observed every year on June 7th, honoring a courageous 1919 uprising where the Maltese people's protests against oppressive British colonial rule and post-WWI economic hardship ignited a journey toward self-governance and liberation.

Tomorrow the 7th June

Sette Giugno is more than a national holiday in Malta—it is a powerful remembrance of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of a people who stood up for justice. Observed each year on June 7, it honours the Maltese citizens of 1919 whose bravery, in the face of hardship and oppression, helped shape Malta’s journey toward self-government and national identity.

A Legacy of Courage

• Hardship and Resolve: After World War I, Malta endured severe unemployment, food shortages, and rising prices—but the spirit of its people remained unbroken.
• A Defining Day: On June 7, 1919, demonstrations in Valletta became a defining moment in Maltese history. British colonial forces fired into the crowd, and four Maltese men lost their lives.
• A Step Toward Freedom: Their sacrifice stirred the nation and helped bring about Malta’s first Legislative Assembly—an important milestone on the road to independence.
Honouring the Memory
• A Lasting Monument: A prominent bronze sculpture by Ganni Bonnici stands in St George’s Square, Valletta, serving as a lasting tribute to the courage shown during the 1919 protests.
• Ceremonies of Remembrance: The day is marked by wreath-laying ceremonies at the Sette Giugno monument, attended by the President of Malta and the Speaker of the House. Wreaths are also traditionally placed at the victims’ graves in Addolorata Cemetery, Paola, in a solemn tribute to those who gave their lives.

Some Maltese Sayings.....who can relate to these?

On the 7th June, the Maltese will be celebrating Sette Giungno.

What does the date signifies?

Sette Giugno (Italian for "Seventh of June") is a significant Maltese national holiday commemorating the events of 7 June 1919.

The day marks a period of civil unrest triggered by severe post-First World War poverty, food shortages, and rising bread prices under British colonial administration. These events became a defining moment in Malta’s political development and contributed to the country’s eventual path toward self-government.

The Spark: A Bread and Economic Crisis:

In the aftermath of the First World War, Malta experienced a severe cost-of-living crisis. Although the island’s economy remained closely tied to the British military presence, many residents struggled to afford essential goods. Public frustration intensified as it became apparent that some local merchants and flour millers were profiting substantially while much of the population faced significant hardship.

The Uprising (June 7, 1919)

On 7 June 1919, these tensions erupted into open protest. While a National Assembly meeting was taking place in Valletta to discuss Malta’s political future, large crowds gathered in the streets. Demonstrators raised the Maltese flag above British flags and targeted the homes and offices of prominent merchants, as well as the building of the Daily Malta Chronicle, reflecting the depth of public anger and desperation.

The British Crackdown

As the situation escalated, police and British colonial authorities called in military forces to regain control. Troops opened fire on the crowds in an effort to suppress the unrest. Four individuals—Manwel Attard, Ġużè Bajada, Wenzu Dyer, and Karmenu Abela—were killed during the events, and more than 50 others were injured. Two additional victims, Ċikku Darmanin and Toni Caruana, later died from their injuries.

The Aftermath

The loss of life and the scale of the unrest had a profound impact on both Malta and the British government. The events of Sette Giugno strengthened Maltese national sentiment and prompted a reassessment of colonial governance. In response, the British introduced a new constitution that granted Malta a measure of control over its domestic affairs, marking an important step toward the country’s eventual independence in 1964.

Today, Sette Giugno is observed as one of Malta’s five national holidays and remains an important symbol of national identity and political progress. It is remembered both as a commemoration of those who lost their lives and as a milestone in Malta’s constitutional development.

The MCCV wants to remind all our associations that if you are operating a not-for-profits (NFPs) and you are not registered qith the ACNC, with an income year ending 30 June had until 15 May 2026 to lodge your income tax return or to notify the ATO of a non-lodgment advice. If you missed the due date, lodge as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

🌸 High Tea Party🌸

Join us with a lovely afternoon of tea, treats and togetherness .

Sunday 21st June / 1-4pm

See the flyer for more details and bookings.

Contact the office on 0393878922 for bookings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjKogJYrxNQ

The Eurovision Song Contest kicks off this week in Vienna, and Aiden will be representing Malta with his song Bella. It’s truly exciting to hear the Maltese language featured in the lyrics—something we haven’t experienced since 1971, when Joe Grech performed Marija il-Maltija.

Here is an unedited interview with Aiden when he was in Melbourne.

Interview with Aiden Inetrview with Aiden when he visited Melbourne to meet and greet Maltese fans

The Maltese Community Council of Victoria extends warm wishes to all mothers on their special day, as we celebrate the profound impact of mothers, maternal bonds, and women's influence, uniting to express heartfelt appreciation for their tireless love, care, and selfless sacrifices.