As the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea, casting a golden glow on the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the stage was set for what should have been a glittering finale to the Eurovision Song Contest. But this year, the glitz was tarnished. Boycotts over Israel’s hosting of the event cast a long shadow, dividing fans and raising political temperatures in the heart of Malta’s capital.

Malta, an island nation known for its sun-kissed beaches and historic cities, found itself at the eye of a political storm. The decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to host the finale in Israel sparked outrage among some, who argue that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians should preclude it from hosting such a high-profile event.

Protesters gathered outside the Maltese Parliament, their chants echoing through the narrow streets of the capital. “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Eurovision” were among the slogans painted on banners, as activists called on Malta to withdraw its participation.

Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, found himself in a delicate position. He walked a fine line, condemning Israel’s actions while stopping short of calling for a boycott. “We cannot ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said in a statement, “but we must also respect the decision of the EBU.”

Malta’s Eurovision fans were divided. Some, like Maria, a 30-year-old teacher from Birkirkara, were adamant that the boycott was the right thing to do. “I love Eurovision, but I can’t support an event hosted by a country that treats people so badly,” she said, her eyes scanning the crowd at a protest outside the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

Others, like Tony, a 55-year-old retiree from Sliema, saw the boycott as a distraction from the music. “Eurovision is about bringing people together, not dividing them,” he said, his voice barely audible over the cheers of fans gathered outside the Phoenicia Hotel, where many of the contestants were staying.

Despite the controversy, the show went on. The rotunda of the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali was transformed into a dazzling stage, a testament to Malta’s ability to host world-class events. The island nation, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, was once again in the global spotlight.

But the boycotts cast a long shadow. Some artists, like the Icelandic group Hatari, used their performance to make a political statement, flashing Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs, traditional Arab headdresses. Their actions sparked a social media storm, with some viewers accusing them of politicizing the event.

In the end, it was a bittersweet finale for Malta. The country’s entry, “Je Me Casse” by The Busker, didn’t win, but the event highlighted Malta’s strengths as a host nation. Yet, the boycotts served as a reminder that politics can’t always be left at the door when the world comes to town.

As the last notes of the finale echoed through the Ta’ Qali venue, the debate over boycotts and politics continued to rage. But for one night, at least, the world’s eyes were on Malta, and that’s something to be proud of.