Eurovision Fever: How Malta Cheered as Bulgaria Stole the Show in 2026

As the clock struck 10 PM on a balmy May evening in Malta, the usually bustling Republic Street in Valletta began to empty. But not because the island’s capital was calling it a night. No, the streets were clearing for a different reason. Every TV in every bar, café, and home was tuned to the same channel. The Eurovision Song Contest was about to begin, and Malta was ready to party.

Malta’s Eurovison Journey: A Brief Recap

Malta’s love affair with Eurovision is no secret. We’ve been competing since 1971, and while we’ve yet to win, we’ve had our share of triumphs. Who could forget Chiara’s second-place finish in 2005 with ‘Angel’? Or Ira Losco’s powerful performance in 2002 with ‘7th Wonder’? This year, however, we were cheering louder, but not for ourselves.

You see, Malta has a unique bond with Bulgaria. Our small island nation has always been drawn to the underdogs, the ones who dare to be different. And that’s exactly what Bulgaria was in 2026. With their unique blend of folk and pop, their song ‘Intolerance’ was a breath of fresh air in a contest often dominated by generic ballads.

Eurovision Night in Malta: A Street Party

Back in Valletta, the atmosphere was electric. The grand finale was being held in Sofia, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Bulgaria itself. The air was filled with the scent of grilled meats and the sound of Bulgarian folk music blaring from speakers. Red and white flags, Bulgaria’s national colors, fluttered from balconies and windows.

At ‘Il-Bistécca’, a popular Valletta eatery, owner Tony Bugeja was serving up Bulgarian-inspired dishes. “We’ve got shopska salad, banitsa, even Bulgarian wine,” he said, wiping his hands on his apron. “It’s not just about the music. It’s about the culture, the people. That’s what Eurovision is about, isn’t it?”

As the Results Came In…

As the votes poured in, Malta was on the edge of its seat. When Bulgaria’s score started to climb, cheers erupted from every corner of the island. With each vote, the tension built. When the final scores were in, Bulgaria had won. The streets of Valletta erupted in joy.

At ‘The George’, a historic pub in the heart of Valletta, patrons danced and sang along to ‘Intolerance’. “We might not have won,” said regular customer Joe Camilleri, raising a glass, “but we sure as hell enjoyed the ride. That’s what Eurovision is all about, isn’t it? Bringing people together.”

And so, as the clock struck midnight, Malta celebrated not as a winner, but as a friend. A friend who had cheered the loudest, who had partied the hardest, and who had shown the world that even in defeat, there’s always something to celebrate.

As the sun rose over the Grandmaster’s Palace the next morning, Malta woke up with a smile. Another Eurovision was over, but the spirit of 2026 would live on. After all, in Malta, every Eurovision is a reason to celebrate. And who knows? Maybe next time, it’ll be our turn to shine.