Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, may not be one of the most well-known countries in the world. But for the Maltese people, it is a place they hold dear to their hearts. And 7th June is a day that is especially close to them, as it marks the anniversary of a significant event in their history. So, who were the Maltese celebrating and why? Sette Giugno, which translates to ‘7 June’ in Italian, is Malta’s National Day. This day commemorates a pivotal event that took place on 7 June 1919, where the Maltese people stood up against British rule and demanded better living and working conditions.
The Lead Up to Sette Giugno
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a challenging time for Malta. The island was under British rule, and the Maltese people, who were predominantly working-class, faced high unemployment and poor living conditions. In 1919, following the end of World War I, the Maltese were hit hard by the rise in cost of essential goods such as food and rent. This sparked protests and uprisings, which the British government responded to with force. This only added fuel to the fire, and the situation escalated quickly.
The Events of Sette Giugno
On 7 June 1919, a peaceful protest was organized by the National Assembly, a political group that advocated for worker’s rights and independence for Malta. The protest turned violent when British forces opened fire on the crowd, killing four people and injuring many others. The deaths of these four men, known as the ‘Martyrs of Sette Giugno’, further fueled the protests and ultimately led to negotiations with the British government about the demands of the Maltese people.
Sette Giugno Today
Today, Sette Giugno is celebrated as a national holiday in Malta. The country comes together to honor the bravery of those who stood up for their rights and to remember the sacrifices made. It is a day of reflection, pride, and gratitude for the freedoms and rights that the people of Malta enjoy today.
Sentences for Sette Giugno (National Day)
Some sentences you can include when writing about Sette Giugno (National Day) – 7 June are: – Sette Giugno commemorates the date when Maltese people fought for their rights and independence. – The events of Sette Giugno are a significant part of Malta’s history and are remembered with pride and gratitude. – The four men who lost their lives on Sette Giugno are known as the ‘Martyrs of Sette Giugno’. – Celebrations on Sette Giugno include parades, concerts, and ceremonies honoring the sacrifices made by the Maltese people. The Maltese people demand better living and working conditions. The National Assembly organized a peaceful protest on 7 June 1919. British forces opened fire on the crowd, resulting in four deaths. Malta celebrates Sette Giugno as a national holiday to honor the sacrifices made by its people. The events of Sette Giugno symbolize the fight for independence and workers’ rights. 
