The Valletta Local Council administration grants honorary citizenship to distinguished persons who have been of service and contributed to the social, cultural or political field, particularly to foster peace and understanding.
The first to be awarded the title were the 50 survivors of Operation Pedestal, commonly known as the Malta Convoy. The brave men, who fought and resisted the Nazi and Italian air attacks, risked their lives with honour to deliver supplies to war-torn Malta. This operation saved the people of Malta from falling in the hands of the Nazis during World War II.
Enrique Iglesias - singer
Gabriel Caruana -Contemporary artist
Vicente Burgos (Valencia)
During a recent visit to Malta, Valletta Mayor, Dr. Paul Borg Olivier, presented Maestro Riccardo Muti the Honorary Citizenship of Valletta for his enduring role to foster peace and cultural understanding through the common language of Music. The presentation took place at the Upper Barrakka.
Ugo Attardi (Rome) - Contemporary artist and sculptor;
Carlo Ciccalrelli (Rome) - Curator of Calleria d'Arte Ulisse;
Alessandro Masi (Rome) - Secretary General Societa' Dante Alighieri
Dimitris Avramopoulos (Athens) - Mayor of Athens
Surviving members of Operation Pedestal 1942
Ugo Attadi receiving his Honorary Citizenship
Maestro Riccardo Muti receiving his Honorary Citizenship