Malta’s Eurovision Fever: A Rival to Football Season

It’s a Saturday night in late May, and Republic Street in Valletta is buzzing. But it’s not the usual weekend crowd. No, tonight, the heart of Malta’s capital is pulsating with a different energy. It’s Eurovision night, and the island has been taken over by a fever that rivals the annual football season.

Malta’s love affair with the Eurovision Song Contest is no secret. But how did this international music competition become the country’s biggest ‘sporting’ event outside football? Let’s look the story behind this phenomenon.

Malta first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971. The early years were, let’s say, challenging. Between 1971 and 1990, Malta only managed to reach the finals once. But as the saying goes, it takes time to build Rome, or in this case, a Eurovision powerhouse.

In 1991, Malta introduced a national final to select its Eurovision entrant. This marked a turning point. The new system brought together local talent, music enthusiasts, and the public, fostering a sense of collective ownership. The first fruits of this labour were sweet. In 1992, Mary Spiteri’s ‘Little Child’ reached the finals, placing 12th.

But it was in 2002 that Malta truly began to make its mark. With Ira Losco’s powerful performance of ‘7th Wonder’, Malta placed second. The nation was electrified. From then on, Eurovision was no longer just a song contest; it was a national obsession.

Every year, as the contest approaches, Malta transforms. From the bustling streets of Sliema to the quiet corners of Gozo, conversations turn to the latest entries, betting odds, and rehearsal footage. It’s a unifying force, bringing together people from all walks of life.

Take, for instance, the annual Eurovision parties hosted by local bars and restaurants. From the glitz and glamour of the Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julian’s to the cozy, intimate gatherings in Msida’s side streets, these events are more than just parties. They’re celebrations of national pride and community spirit.

And let’s not forget the public viewing events. The Valletta Waterfront, with its sprawling screens and lively atmosphere, is a prime example. Here, strangers become friends, united under the Eurovision banner. It’s a spectacle that’s as much about the music as it is about the shared experience.

Malta’s love for Eurovision has spawned a thriving ecosystem. Local music schools and studios gear up for the contest, offering workshops and mentoring sessions. Radio stations dedicate special segments to the event. Even the Malta Tourism Authority has jumped on board, using Eurovision to showcase the island’s beauty and culture.

And then there’s the press. Local newspapers and websites, including Hot Malta, provide wall-to-wall coverage. From the moment the previous contest ends to the night of the final, the nation is kept up-to-date with the latest news, gossip, and analysis.

With each passing year, Malta’s Eurovision ambitions grow. The nation has come close to winning – in 2005, Chiara’s ‘Angel’ placed third. But a victory has so far eluded the island. Yet, Malta’s Eurovision journey is far from over.

As we look ahead to the next contest, one thing is clear: Malta’s love for Eurovision shows no signs of waning. Whether we’re cheering from our living rooms or dancing in the streets of Valletta, we’re all in this together. And who knows? Maybe one day soon, we’ll be celebrating a Maltese victory.

“Eurovision is more than just a song contest for Malta,” says local music enthusiast and Eurovision fan, Joe Borg. “It’s a time for us to come together, to celebrate our love for music, and to show the world what we’re made of.”