Imagine this: a packed St. Julian’s Square, the sun dipping below the Mediterranean, and a young Maltese woman, Dara, belting out her heart on stage. Little did she know, that moment was a stepping stone to the grandest stage of them all – Eurovision. Fast forward to Turin, Italy, and Dara, now a seasoned performer, is dancing her way to victory, becoming Malta’s first solo Eurovision winner with ‘Flying on My Own’.

Dara’s journey is a testament to Malta’s thriving local music scene. From busking on the bustling streets of Valletta to headlining gigs at popular Paceville venues like The Honey Club and Gianpula Fields, Dara honed her craft, building a dedicated fanbase. Her breakthrough came with her 2017 X Factor Malta win, but it was her 2022 Eurovision victory that catapulted her onto the global stage.

Malta’s Eurovision success story is no stranger to our readers. From Ira Losco’s ‘Walk on By’ in 2002 to Destiny’s ‘Je Me Casse’ in 2021, our tiny island has punched above its weight. But Dara’s win, with a song entirely in Maltese, was a breakthrough. It underscored our unique cultural identity in a competition that often favours English-language entries.

Eurovision fever gripped Malta during the lead-up to the contest. From the moment Dara’s name was drawn to compete in the final, the nation was united in support. Local businesses adorned their windows with Maltese flags and Dara posters. The hashtag #DaraToWin trended on social media, with Maltese fans worldwide sharing their support.

On the night of the final, Malta time was Turin time. Pubs and restaurants across the island hosted viewing parties. In St. Julian’s, where Dara’s journey began, a giant screen was set up in the square. As Dara’s score climbed, so did the decibel level of cheers. When she won, the nation erupted. Fireworks lit up the night sky, from Valletta’s Grandmaster’s Palace to the quiet streets of Gozo.

Dara’s victory has opened doors to international collaborations and tours. She’s already performed at the Eurovision In Concert event in Amsterdam and has plans to tour Europe. But Dara hasn’t forgotten her roots. She’s eager to give back to the local music scene that nurtured her, mentoring young talent and supporting local initiatives.

Malta’s Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Clayton Bartolo, has hinted at plans to us Dara’s win to boost tourism. With Dara’s global platform, expect to see more of Malta on the international stage. But for now, Dara is enjoying her moment, soaking in the adoration of her fellow Maltese and plotting her next move on the global stage.

“This is just the beginning,” Dara says, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I’m ready to fly even higher.”