How Malta’s business leaders are spending the Feast of Our Lady of Victory

Today marks the feast of Our Lady of Victory, a date that carries deep cultural and personal significance across Malta.

For many, it is a moment to step away from busy schedules, enjoy time with loved ones, and embrace local traditions.

MaltaCEOs.mt asked a few business leaders how they will be spending the day – and the answers show a blend of faith, family, and much-needed rest.

For Christian Gravina, Chief Executive Officer at GCS Malta, the day is strongly rooted in community tradition. Having spent most of his life in Naxxar, he tells MaltaCEOs.mt that he will be joining familiar faces in the town’s morning march. “Being the feast of Our Lady of Victory of Naxxar, the town that I resided in for most of my life, I would go there in the morning for the morning march. I take this opportunity to meet a lot of familiar faces and enjoy a drink or two. Following this I would enjoy a nice lunch with my family. Then later on will go for the evening procession.”

Others view the day as a chance to pause before the busy months ahead.

Joseph Aquilina, CEO of Smart Solutions Ltd, says he is determined to avoid slipping into work mode. “I plan to take the day off and, hopefully, resist the temptation of checking my mailbox. Public holidays like this are among the last few opportunities to dedicate time fully to family before we enter the intense final stretch of the year,” he explains.

For Mr Aquilina, September always marks the start of a demanding period – with budget finalisations, three-year plans, strategy meetings, and customer engagements across Europe all on the horizon. Even so, he looks forward to something simpler on Monday. “If the weather is kind, I hope to recharge in a simpler way: On a deck chair by the sea, enjoying the sun, taking a swim, and catching up on some reading. It is in these rare pauses that I find the right perspective and energy to return fully prepared for the months ahead.”

Meanwhile, Charmaine Mangion, Founder and CEO of Magic Castle Waldorf Childcares, sees the public holiday as a moment to balance personal wellness with quality time. “I’ll start the day by waking up early to quietly sip a cup of coffee and catch up on media and news,” she tells MaltaCEOs.mt.

Ms Mangion admits that her busy weeks sometimes mean workouts are skipped in favour of work deadlines, but she uses public holidays to reset. “I always try to start my public holiday with a refreshing workout, giving my body and mind the energy they need.”

After a quick scan of her emails and a short planning session for the week ahead, she switches off completely. “Once that is over, the rest of the day will be dedicated to family, friends, and the joy of being present. I plan to spend time on the sea, reconnecting with the moment, and enjoying a non-stressful day that combines both restfulness and light, uplifting energy.”

As for me, I also plan to embrace the day – by soaking up the sun and staying as far away from screens as possible. After all, even business leaders (and those who write about them) need a holiday.