As Eurovision season kicks into high gear ahead of next week’s grand spectacle, a wave of nostalgia has hit Maltese social media, and it’s taking us back to the golden days of broadcast, bell-bottoms, and black-and-white TV sets.

Shared on the popular Facebook group ‘Nostalgia Malta’, a series of newspaper clippings from the 1970s and 80s have resurfaced, showing how Malta already celebrated the Eurovision Song Contest in its early days. Among them is a local headline wishing Malta’s Eurovision entry luck, proudly announcing the event would be broadcast live on national television.

Though the exact date on the clipping is unclear, it likely hails from the early 70s, shortly after Malta made its Eurovision debut in 1971. That year, Joe Grech represented Malta with the patriotic ‘Marija l-Maltija’, marking the nation’s first step onto one of Europe’s biggest musical stages.

Malta’s early Eurovision journey was sadly brief though. The country participated three times – in 1971, 1972, and 1975 – before taking a long hiatus from the competition. Unfortunately, a lack of funds meant Malta couldn’t continue taking part, and the island bowed out of Eurovision until its triumphant return in 1991.

Fast forward to today, and Malta continues to be one of the most passionate Eurovision-loving countries around, with dedicated fans, talented performers, and a good dose of national pride.

So as the island gets ready to cheer on Miriana Conte next week, take a moment to appreciate how far we've come, and the retro roots that still make Eurovision in Malta such a beloved tradition.

Will you be watching?