Malta’s Eurovision Fever: How the Song Contest Became Our New ‘Football’
Eurovision Fever Hits Malta’s Streets: How the Song Contest Became Our New ‘Football’
It’s a sunny afternoon in the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta. You’d expect to see tourists admiring St. John’s Co-Cathedral or locals enjoying an espresso at a quaint café. But today, something’s different. The usually bustling Republic Street is a sea of red and white. Fans, young and old, are gathered around a giant screen, cheering, singing, and waving Maltese flags. It’s not a football match they’re watching, but the Eurovision Song Contest.
Yes, you read that right. In Malta, Eurovision has become a phenomenon that rivals our love for football. It’s not just a TV show anymore; it’s a national event that brings the country together, from the historic streets of the Three Cities to the modern hub of St. Julian’s. But how did this European song contest become Malta’s biggest ‘sporting’ event outside football?
Malta’s Eurovision Journey: From Zero to Hero
Malta’s Eurovision journey began in 1971, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that we started to take it seriously. Our first real breakthrough came in 2002 when Ira Losco’s ‘7th Wonder’ finished second. Since then, we’ve become a force to be reckoned with, consistently qualifying for the final and even winning in 2020 with Destiny’s ‘Je Me Casse’.
Our success isn’t just about the music. It’s about national pride, unity, and the sheer joy of competing on a global stage. Malta might be small, but when it comes to Eurovision, we punch well above our weight.
Eurovision: Malta’s New ‘National Sport’
Eurovision has become a unifying force in Malta, transcending age, language, and political divides. It’s not uncommon to see Labour and Nationalist supporters putting aside their differences to cheer for our act. It’s a time when Malta truly feels like one big family.
Local businesses cash in on the excitement too. From Valletta’s bars screening the contest to the annual ‘Eurovision Village’ in Floriana, the event boosts tourism and the local economy. Even Malta’s public transport gets in on the act, with buses decorated in the colours of the Maltese flag.
But it’s not just about the party. Eurovision has also inspired a new generation of Maltese musicians and songwriters. It’s given them a platform to showcase their talent and gain international recognition. It’s no coincidence that many of our recent Eurovision acts have gone on to successful careers in the music industry.
Malta’s Eurovision Future: Can We Win Again?
So, what’s next for Malta and Eurovision? After our 2020 win, expectations are high. Can we do it again? The pressure is on, but so is the excitement. As we look ahead to the next contest, one thing is certain: Malta will be ready to party, ready to compete, and ready to show the world what we’re made of.
As Malta’s Eurovision fan club president, Joe Micallef, puts it, “Eurovision is more than just a song contest. It’s about bringing people together, about pride, and about showing the world what Malta is all about. And that’s something worth singing about.”
