A study of the 8 September 1565 commemorations and the magistral ‘possessi’ in the eighteenth century

Abstract

Public rituals and commemorations have long played a crucial role in maintaining political authority and preserving communal memory. Across different cultures and historical periods, these practices have served as symbolic acts that commemorate significant events, reinforce social cohesion, and legitimise ruling elites. In early modern Europe, public spectacles became increasingly instrumental as political tools, enabling rulers to justify their power, display wealth, and cultivate loyalty. The Order of St John in Malta exemplified these trends, strategically employing rituals to assert its dominance and secure its authority. Among these, the annual commemoration of the Great Siege of 1565 on 8 September was a defining event for both the Order and the Maltese islands. The victory over the Ottoman forces was not only a military triumph but also a foundational moment in shaping the island’s collective identity. Its yearly observances carried profound religious and political significance, reinforcing the Order’s dual role as sovereign ruler and spiritual protector. Alongside these commemorations, the magistral possessi served as grand displays of authority. These meticulously orchestrated processions projected power and legitimacy, reaffirming the Order’s dominance before both subjects and external observers. This dissertation examines the commemorative and ritual practices associated with the 8th of September celebrations and the possessi, analysing their political, religious, and social dimensions. While it addresses themes of power and authority, this study does not offer a critique of the Order's political administration. Rather, it focuses on how power was represented, performed, and legitimised through spectacle. This examination explores how these events served to solidify the Order’s rule, construct a shared historical memory, and integrate the Maltese population into a triumphal narrative. Additionally, beyond the political aspects, this study also considers the ways in which the Maltese people engaged with these ceremonies, whether as participants or part of the crowd spectating, and how their presence contributed to the spectacle’s impact. By integrating visual, material, and documentary sources, this dissertation sheds light on the intricate relationship between ritual, power, and public spectacle in early modern Malta. This dissertation is structured into three chapters, each reflecting a key theme. The first chapter establishes a general overview and broader historical framework, outlining the political and cultural landscape of early modern Malta, as well as the historiographical debates and studies surrounding ritual, commemorations, and power. The second chapter analyses the organisational aspects of these ceremonies including the selection of locations, landmarks, participants and symbols that all contributed to their effectiveness as displays of authority. The third chapter discusses the performative and propagandistic nature of these rituals, particularly through the case study of the possesso of the fleet of Ramon Despuig, which exemplified how ceremonial pageantry reinforced the Order’s dominance.