Eurovision Fever: Malta’s Biggest Non-Football ‘Sporting’ Event

It’s a Saturday night in late May, and Republic Street in Valletta is buzzing. The usually bustling main street of Malta’s capital is even more alive than usual. But it’s not the usual weekend crowd. Tonight, the island is hosting Europe’s biggest music party, and everyone’s invited. Welcome to Eurovision Night in Malta.

From Zero to Hero

Malta’s love affair with the Eurovision Song Contest is a tale of underdogs and unexpected triumphs. In 1971, Malta participated for the first time, finishing a respectable 13th out of 18. But it was in 1991 that the island nation truly caught the Eurovision bug. With the catchy ‘Could It Be’ sung by the then-teenage Amber, Malta placed 3rd, its best result to date. Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but one thing’s for sure – Malta’s passion for Eurovision has never wavered.

More Than Just a Song Contest

So, why does Eurovision mean so much to Malta? For starters, it’s a chance for a small nation to punch above its weight on the international stage. It’s a time when Malta, with its population of just over 500,000, can compete alongside giants like Italy, Germany, and the UK. But it’s also about community. Eurovision brings people together. From the moment the Maltese entry is announced, the nation is united in support. From the north of the island in Qawra to the southern tip in Marsaxlokk, everyone’s talking about Eurovision.

It’s also big business. The contest brings in tourists, boosts local businesses, and gives a shot in the arm to Malta’s music industry. The Malta Tourism Authority estimates that the 2019 contest, held in Tel Aviv, brought in €12 million to the Maltese economy. And that’s not including the local spending on parties and events.

Malta’s Eurovision Moments

Malta’s Eurovision journey has been filled with memorable moments. Who can forget Chiara’s powerful ‘What If We’ in 2005, or Glen Vella’s energetic ‘One Life’ in 2011? But the standout moment has to be 2002. With the powerful ballad ‘7th Wonder’, Ira Losco placed 2nd, Malta’s best result to date. The song, written by Maltese duo Ray Agius and Paul Abela, became an instant national anthem.

And then there’s 2016. With the quirky ‘Walk on By’, sung by Brooke, Malta qualified for the final for the first time in seven years. The song, a fan favorite, didn’t win, but it showed that Malta was back in the game.

Eurovision 2022: Here We Go Again

So, what’s in store for Malta at Eurovision 2022? The island will be represented by Emma Muscat with the upbeat pop song ‘I Am What I Am’. With its catchy beat and empowering lyrics, it’s already a fan favorite. And with Malta set to host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest later this year, it’s an exciting time for Maltese music.

As for that Saturday night in Valletta, the party goes on until the early hours. Because in Malta, Eurovision isn’t just a song contest. It’s a celebration of music, community, and national pride. And that’s something worth singing about.