The In Guardia Parade is a historical event that can be traced back to the Knights of St John. The noble order – also called the Knights Hospitaller and the Order of Hospitallers – arrived in Malta in the year 1530 and settled on the islands for 250 years. During this time, the Knights would frequently hold this event, which involved a regular inspection of the fort and garrison by the Gran Bailiff who was in charge of military affairs. Nowadays, the monthly re-enactment has proven to be a popular spectacular for both locals and tourists. The event includes performances of drills, fencing, fire arms and canon firing by the bombardiers. It takes place at Fort St Elmo, a star-shaped fort in Valletta which guards the entrance to both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.
