Activists marched through Valletta on Saturday calling on the government to cancel Malta's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest while Israel remains in the competition.

The protest, held under the banner "Malta: No Music for Genocide," began outside Parliament and concluded in front of the Culture Ministry. Among those present was former president Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, alongside activists, artists and representatives of civil society groups.

Demonstrators chanted "No music for genocide" and "Boycott Eurovision," arguing that cultural events cannot be considered politically neutral amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Addressing the crowd, activist Amy Marie Abela of Moviment Graffitti said music has always been closely linked to social and political realities. She maintained that art cannot be separated from the conditions in which it is created and that artists have a responsibility to take a position.

Abela said Maltese artists should not participate in a context she described as tainted by violence.

Andre Callus also addressed the protest, stating that silence would amount to complicity. Other speakers argued that the Eurovision Song Contest, founded to promote unity and peace, was now being used to normalise alleged violations of international law.

Additional speakers included Joanna Jebaili from The Lebanese Advocates, Maria Galea from the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association, David Zammit from Ġustizzja għall-Palestina and artist Angele Galea.

The demonstration comes amid broader controversy surrounding this year's contest, which is scheduled to take place in Vienna in May. According to organisers, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have opted not to participate in the 2026 edition in protest at Israel's inclusion.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has said Malta should not withdraw, instead advocating for dialogue rather than disengagement.