Relive history: The Phoenicia Malta hosts commemorative Independence Banquet

The Phoenicia Malta will soon commemorate a landmark moment in Maltese history with a sumptuous banquet.

On Friday 20th September, the hotel’s iconic Grand Ballroom will host an evening that will recreate the splendour of the State Banquet held within the same venue on the eve of Independence Day in 1964.

Marking this pivotal moment in national history, the original banquet was attended by the then-Prime Minister and other dignitaries, including the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Sixty years later, the chef team at The Phoenicia Malta have meticulously recreated the exact menu from the 1964 banquet, offering attendees at this exclusive event a rare chance to step back in time to savour the same exquisite dishes as those present on that historic evening.

Starting with a welcome drinks reception in the Maryanski Porch, the night of sophisticated nostalgia will continue with a four-course meal paired with fine wines and entertainment in the Grand Ballroom.

The black-tie event will also feature a display of memorabilia from the original Independence celebrations thanks to a collaboration with Heritage Malta and Taste History. The items will be exhibited on the Maryanski Porch, allowing guests to reflect on Malta’s journey over the past six decades. Adding to the experience, esteemed historian Liam Gauci from Taste History will host the night, offering deeper insights into this pivotal moment in Malta’s history.

“The Phoenicia Malta’s Grand Ballroom has borne witness to many significant events throughout the hotel’s long history on the island, including this milestone moment in Malta’s remarkable journey to independence,” says The Phoenicia Malta General Manager, Robyn Pratt.

She adds that the hotel will make a generous donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation to mark the occasion, underpinning the hotel’s commitment to cultural, social and environmental sustainability as a Sustainability Leader within the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW).

Meanwhile, mirroring the event in 1964, The Phoenicia Malta’s Independence Day Banquet expects to welcome dignitaries, government officials and key figures from various sectors among its esteemed guests – including the President of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono.

“This banquet is not only a tribute to the past, but a celebration of Malta’s progress and achievements,” confirms Ms Pratt. “It will serve as a reminder to protect and uphold local culture and heritage, gathering together prominent members of the community for a unique networking opportunity, in an atmosphere alive with cultural pride and passion for Malta – just as it must have been, sixty years ago.”

The Phoenicia Malta Independence Day Banquet will be held from 7.30pm on Friday 20th September, in the Maryanski Porch and Grand Ballroom, The Phoenicia Malta, Floriana. Due to high demand and the limited number of seats available at this event, guests are encouraged to reserve their tickets early, via this link.

Tickets are priced at €130 per person, with seating arranged in tables of ten and the option to reserve corporate tables or individual seats. The menu can be found here.