Eurovision: Malta’s Unlikely Football Season

Every May, as the Maltese football season winds down, an unlikely ‘sporting’ event takes centre stage. No, it’s not a new local derby or a national team triumph. It’s the Eurovision Song Contest, and Malta is glued to their screens, cheering for their own and Europe’s best. How did this international music competition become Malta’s biggest ‘sporting’ event outside football?

From Eurovision Newcomers to Regulars

Malta’s Eurovision journey began in 1971, but it was in 1991 that we truly started making waves. With ‘Could It Be’ by Paul Giordimaina and Georgina Abela, Malta qualified for the final for the first time. Since then, we’ve become regulars, qualifying 14 times in the last 20 years. Our best result? 2nd place in 2005 with ‘Angel’ by Chiara.

Remember the euphoria in 2002 when Ira Losco’s ‘7th Wonder’ qualified? Or the heartbreak in 2013 when Gianluca Bezzina’s ‘Tomorrow’ missed out by one point? These are moments etched in Maltese ‘Eurofans” memories, as deeply as any football match.

Malta’s Eurovision Fever

Eurovision fever hits Malta hard. From the moment the Maltese entry is announced, the nation is abuzz. Local media outlets follow the journey religiously. Fans gather at popular spots like the Triton Fountain in Msida or the Valletta Waterfront to watch the shows together. Even the Prime Minister isn’t immune; he’s been known to tweet his support.

Local businesses cash in too. Pubs and bars host viewing parties. Restaurants offer Eurovision-themed menus. Even the Malta Tourism Authority uses Eurovision to promote our islands. In 2019, they ran a ‘Malta Loves Eurovision’ campaign, attracting international fans to our shores.

Eurovision’s Impact on Maltese Music

Eurovision has also shaped Maltese music. It’s launched careers – think Ira Losco, Chiara, and The New Kids. It’s influenced local songwriting, pushing artists to create catchy, universal tunes. It’s even inspired local music festivals like the Malta Eurovision Song Contest and the Malta International Music Festival.

But it’s not just about the glamour. Eurovision has also sparked conversations about Malta’s place in Europe, our cultural identity, and our language policies. When we sing in English, Maltese, or even Italian, we’re making a statement about who we are.

So, as the football season ends, another one begins. The Eurovision season. It’s a time when Malta comes together, cheering for our own, dreaming big, and proving that our little islands can make a big noise on the international stage.

This year, as we watch Malta’s entry ‘I Am What I Am’ by Destiny take the stage in Rotterdam, let’s remember: this is our football season. This is our moment. Let’s cheer loud and proud, because we’re not just watching a song contest. We’re living our Eurovision fever.