I took this shot a few days ago on my way back home with Christine from my daughter’s house. This is the façade of the parish church of Naxxar decorated for its festa.
Today is also an important day in Maltese history and is a Public holiday, too.
The feast is also referred to as the Our Lady of Victories, commemorating the victory of the Maltese and the Knights of St John over Ottoman forces who invaded the Maltese Islands in 1565 with an army much much stronger than that of the defenders. The Knights together with their forces resisted continuous attacks by the Ottoman forces until they gave up the fight and left in panic leaving thousands of soldiers dead behind them.
Day of Victory also commemorates victory in WWII when on 8 September 1943, Italy withdrew from the war and ended hostilities against the Allies and turned against its former German ally. On that day the war in Malta ended. The Italian fleet sailed to Malta to surrender. Malta was awarded the George Cross for bravery and since then the design of the George Cross has been incorporated into the Maltese flag.
There are three parishes in Malta and one in Gozo that are dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. One of them is this one in Naxxar. Each time I go to my daughter’s house I have to pass by this parish church.
Thank you so much for your views, comments and fav's on yesterday's picture.
Great information with this beautiful shot. One of my favourite places in Malta is the hospital started by the Knights Templer. It was a wonderful place to visit.
