Commemorations of Victory Day celebrating the end of three historical sieges kicked off on Friday evening in Valletta with a solemn ceremony in Great Siege Square.

Prime Minister Robert Abela led dignitaries in laying wreaths at the foot of the Great Siege monument. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Officially marked on September 8, Victory Day recalls the end of the Great Siege of 1565, the Siege of Valletta by the French blockade in 1800 and the Siege of Malta during World War II ending in 1943.

The AFM band performing at the ceremony. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Following a speech by Prof. Lino Bianco, the prime minister, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the leader of the opposition and constitutional bodies laid wreaths at the foot of the Great Siege monument with its three bronze figures symbolising faith, fortitude and civilisation.

A solemn moment during the ceremony. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier