10/06/2026
10 ta’ Ġunju 1887 – Jum Storiku għall- Belt Victoria u ta' Għawdex
Illum infakkru data ta’ importanza kbira fl-istorja ta’ Għawdex. Fl-10 ta’ Ġunju 1887, ir-Rabat t' Għawdex ingħata uffiċjalment it-titlu ta’ Belt u l-isem Victoria, mill-Gvernatur Sir Lintorn Simmons, wara talba mill-Prim Imħallef Sir Adrian Dingli u l-Isqof Pietru Pace, f'isem numru ta' Rabtin distinti f’ġieħ il-Ġublew tad-Deheb tar-Reġina Victoria tar-Renju Unit.
Dan l-avveniment ma kienx sempliċement bidla fl-isem tal-lokalita, iżda mument li saħħaħ l-identità ċivika u l-istatus tal-Belt Victoria bħala ċ-ċentru amministrattiv, kulturali u kummerċjali ta’ Għawdex. Minn dak iż-żmien ’l hawn, Victoria kompliet tikber u tiżviluppa filwaqt li żammet il-karattru storiku u l-wirt għani tagħha.
Għall-Għawdxin, din il-ġurnata tfakkarna fl-istorja tagħna, fil-kisbiet tal-passat u fir-rwol importanti li l- Belt Victoria kellha u għad għandha fil-ħajja tal-gżira tagħna.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 June 1887 – A Historic Day for the City of Victoria and for Gozo
Today we commemorate a date of great importance in the history of Gozo. On 10 June 1887, Rabat, Gozo was officially granted city status and given the name Victoria by Governor Sir Lintorn Simmons, following a petition by Chief Justice Sir Adrian Dingli and Bishop Pietro Pace, on behalf of several distinguished citizens of Rabat, in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
This event was not merely a change of name but a significant milestone that strengthened the civic identity and status of the City of Victoria as the administrative, cultural, and commercial centre of Gozo. Since then, Victoria has continued to grow and develop while preserving its historic character and rich heritage.
For the people of Gozo, this day serves as a reminder of our history, the achievements of the past, and the important role that the City of Victoria has played—and continues to play—in the life of our island.
'
