Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544987
32 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MAY 2026 NEWS Kandidata tal-Partit Laburista Fuq il-5 u 11 il-distrett 9900 0809 / 9939 5628 Attard • Mosta • Birżebbuġa • Ħal Kirkop • Ħal Safi • Imqabba • Qrendi • Żurrieq Mary Spiteri's iconic 1992 Eurovision dress to be auctioned in aid of the Community Chest Fund LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt MARY Spiteri's iconic 1992 dress, worn during Malta's third- place finish at the Eurovision Song Contest, is up for auction in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. All proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting in- dividuals and families in need across Malta and Gozo. The auction is being handled by Belgravia Auction Gallery. Spiteri represented Malta in the 1992 Eurovision Song Con- test held in Malmo, Sweden with the ballad Little Child. She finished in third place be- hind Ireland and the UK, leav- ing Maltese fans heartbroken after a superb performance that secured her diva status. In 2014, it was announced that Spiteri held the longest note for 13 seconds in Euro- vision Song Contest history with her performance of Little Child. But 1992 was not Spiteri's first attempt at Eurovision suc- cess. She had competed unsuc- cessfully in the Maltese compe- tition to decide the Eurovision entry in 1971 and 1975. Spiteri tried qualifying for the finals again in 1995, 1997 and 2008 but none of her attempts were successful. The pink gown she wore in the 1992 finals is regarded as one of the most recognisable costumes in Maltese Eurovi- sion history. Designed in Mi- lan, the dress holds additional sentimental value as Spiteri herself contributed to elements of its design, making it both a stage costume and a personal artistic statement tied to one of Malta's most memorable Euro- vision moments. The dress features a beauti- fully draped magenta and fuch- sia bodice with a sweetheart neckline and gathered pleat- ing across the bust. It is paired with a cropped embellished over-garment richly dec- orated with pink sequins and beadwork, white appliqué detailing, and intricate green-black ar- abesque and paisley-in- spired scroll motifs. Spiteri donated the gown to the Mal- ta Community Chest Fund, ensuring that proceeds from the auction will directly assist vulnerable in- dividuals and families across Malta and Gozo. At the time of writing this story, on Friday 15 May, there were currently two bids, one of €850, and one of €900. The bid- ding opened on 11 May at 7am and will close on 29 May, 2026 at 12pm. On 20 May (tickets available from MCCF Store), there will also be an event dedicated to Mary Spiteri's performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 1992, exploring her achieve- ment and the legacy she left on the competition. Guests will enjoy an intimate and engaging live interview and Q&A session, hosted by Angie Laus, offering a rare op- portunity to hear first-hand stories from Mary's Eurovision journey, her career, and the personal significance of the dress itself. Attendees will al- so have the oppor- tunity to participate in the discussion, creating a warm and memorable atmos- phere. Those wishing to attend can purchase tickets up until Tues- day evening. The auction offers collectors and Eu- rovision enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of Maltese pop culturel history close- ly linked to one of the country's strongest Eurovision achieve- ments. The pink gown she wore in the 1992 finals is regarded as one of the most recognisable costumes in Maltese Eurovision history