Malta to Host Junior Eurovision 2026

Imagine this: the Mediterranean sun dipping below the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Three Cities twinkling under the starlit sky, and the sound of young voices echoing through the ancient streets of Valletta. This isn’t a scene from a movie, but a glimpse into what’s set to unfold in 2026 when Malta hosts the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

The announcement came last week, sending waves of excitement through the local music scene. After Amsterdam’s triumphant hosting in 2021, the contest is set to make its Mediterranean debut right here in Malta. The Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) will be the proud host, following in the footsteps of our European neighbours who have welcomed this musical extravaganza in the past.

But why Malta? Well, our little island has a big heart for music, and our Eurovision track record speaks for itself. From Chiara’s “What If We” in 2005 to Destiny’s “Je Me Casse” in 2020, we’ve left our mark on the contest. Now, it’s time for the juniors to take centre stage.

First off, it’s a massive boost for our tourism industry. Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to our shores, from families of the young contestants to Eurovision enthusiasts. Imagine the buzz in St. Julian’s, the bustling streets of Rabat, and the lively atmosphere in Paceville as the contest takes over our island.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Hosting Junior Eurovision is an opportunity to showcase Malta’s unique culture and heritage. From our traditional Maltese music to our rich history and stunning landscapes, we’ve got a lot to offer. And who knows? Maybe some of these young stars will fall in love with Malta and return one day to perform at our own local festivals.

For our local music scene, this is a chance to shine. With international attention on Malta, our homegrown talent could gain global recognition. It’s also an opportunity for our musicians to collaborate with international artists and learn from their experiences.

Now that the hosting rights are ours, the real work begins. PBS will be busy preparing for the event, from selecting the venue to planning the logistics. But as locals, we’ve got a role to play too. Let’s show the world what Malta’s all about – our warmth, our passion, and our love for music.

As PBS CEO Charles Dalli puts it, “Malta is ready to welcome the world once again, and we can’t wait to host an unforgettable Junior Eurovision.” So, let’s get ready to party, Malta. Our moment is coming.