Sette Giugno

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Sette Giugno is a national holiday

The Sette Giugno is a national holiday in Malta which is celebrated on a yearly basis. It commemorates the events that happened on 7^th June 1919. It is recorded in history that during riots, the British troops opened fire on a Maltese crowd. The result was dramatic – four died while another fifty were injured

Public Holidays in Malta 2021
Public Holidays in Malta 2022
Public Holidays in Malta 2023

The history behind this date

After World War I, there were disruptions in agriculture and industry across Europe. The local colonial government failed to provide an adequate supply of food provisions to the Maltese islands.

The cost of living was increasing gradually. As the imported food was very limited, the prices went up. On one hand this was a fortune for farmers and merchants, but on the other hand, the other workers, mainly dockyard and government workers did not cope. Although there were wage increases, this was not in line with the increase in the cost of food.

Some workers organised a strike in 1917, but some segments of the society were doing well economically. There were rumors that grain importers and flour millers were making good profits over the price of bread. Also, merchants were registering large profits in their sector.

Another cause which led to the uprising was the political development. During the first meeting of the National Assembly which was held in February 1919, a resolution was approved for which Malta would be independent from the British Empire. This resolution was opposed to an original resolution, and then was removed in order to secure unanimity.

In late February 1919, crowds attacked shopkeepers who remained opened during the meeting of the National Assembly. Police did not stop these attacks.

Sette Giugno

Just before the 7 June National Assembly, the Secretary of the State for the Colonies informed Dr. Sceberras, that the new governor, Lord Plumer, would consider giving the Maltese a larger say in the administration of the country. The followers of Enrico Mizzi stated that the Imperial government could not be trusted. This led that the two currents of thoughts were also reflected in the crowds outside. University students staged a protest of their own on 16 May 1919. The police forces were threatening strikes.

The National Assembly had to meet again on Saturday 7 June. The meeting was scheduled to be held at the Giovine Malta building. Following the previous unrests, the Police prepared themselves; and on Thursday 5 June, they asked for soldiers to be stationed in Castille.

The first sparkle

The first spark – the Maltese flag defaced with the Union Jack flying above the “A la Ville de Londres.” The crowd forced themselves into this closed shop with the intention to remove the flag and flagpole. This incident sparked the uprising. Union Flags were flying at half mast on all governmental departments in respect to the death of the President of Court.

The crowd proceeded to different buildings. They broke through the Royal Air Force turret and destroyed everything that was in front of them. They threw the Union Jack flag into the street – the crowd eventually burned the flag. The mob now moved back to the Palace square and began to insult the soldiers. The crowd also moved and attacked the homes of those supporting the Imperial government, merchants in Old Bakery Street, and also the office of the Daily Malta Chronicle.

Military support was required

At that stage, military support was required. Sixty-four soldiers were on their way – a very small number compared to the mob which was made up of thousands. These soldiers were divided into groups and moved to different areas where the crowds were gathered. In the National Assembly, which was unaware of the uprising outside, the moderates were gaining the upper hand. Those inside had no idea on what was happening outside.

Ten soldiers approached the offices of the Chronicle, which were surrounded by a crowd. The crowd began to throw stones and objects at the soldiers. The same happened in Old Bakery Street. Reinforcements were required. The soldiers in Old Bakery Street were facing in both directions. They were not to shoot without being ordered to do so. The soldiers took their positions, aiming at the crowd. The mob retreated.

The report of the inquiring commission then proceeded to state that a shot was fired. This gave the impression that the Maltese were the first to shoot during the uprising.

The first victim

Eyewitnesses reported that one of the soldiers shot a round into the crowd, with the rest of the troop following. The first victim of this uprising was Manwel Attard. Other individuals were injured. Ġużè Bajada was hit near Strada Teatro, and fell on top of the Maltese flag he was carrying.

The officer in charge gave instructions for the firing to cease. In the Chronicle offices there was an evident smell of gas, and thus the soldiers had to leave. The soldiers were instructed to exit the office one by one. To clear a way out, a soldier shot low, away from the crowd. However, this shot hit Lorenzo Dyer. The injury was serious, he was lifted by the mob and carried to Palace square. During this initial uprising, three died and fifty were injured.

On the following day, crowds attacked the palace of Colonel Francia. He was the owner of a flour-milling machine. In the evening, one hundred and forty navy marines arrived, clearing the house and street of crowds. Carmelo Abela was in a side doorways of Francia’s house, calling for his son. Two marines proceeded to arrest him. One of the marines ran him through the stomach with a bayonet. Carmelo Abela died on 16 June.

The Monument

In the year 1986, the Sette Giugno monument was inaugurated at St George Square, Valletta. However, as St George Square was renovated, this monument had to be removed from the square. This was placed in another spot in Valletta, at the Hasting Gardens. Following a public consultation, the government decided that the monument should be returned to St George Square. This happened on 3^rd December 2016.

Other holidays in Malta

Public Holidays in Malta 2021
Public Holidays in Malta 2022
Public Holidays in Malta 2023

Other Links – Places in Malta and Gozo

Malta

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Dwejra Inland Sea, Gozo, Malta
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