Maltese flags lining the road leading to the Prime Minister's office in Valletta, flashing lights and blaring sirens were all signs that something important was in the air - sparking interest from onlookers who were eager to be part of the celebratory mood.
The smallest EU member state yesterday hosted European leaders who convened in Malta to toast its new membership of the eurozone, just three-and-a-half years after joining the EU. A sudden commotion took over Valletta's Freedom Square at 11 a.m. as European Commission president José Manuel Barroso appeared at the 'Europe Close to You Fair' to tour the 17 stands.
Representatives running the stands handed him leaflets and explained their work, while their colleagues attempted to squeeze between the jostling media for a good view and to capture the moment on camera.
Mr Barroso was accompanied by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Jose Joaquin Almunia, and European Parliament vice-president Mario Mauro.
Offering a smile and a handshake to all, Mr Barroso was given an unusual welcome. Just as he was about to set foot out of the tent, George Cassar, the self-dubbed Golden Man, showed up to proffer his gold-clad hand as a greeting. Weighed down with more than eight kilos of gold necklaces, charms and bracelets, Mr Cassar beamed as Mr Barroso attempted to measure up to him with the gold euro symbol attached to his lapel.
"This is the result of the euro," Mr Barroso joked, commenting on Mr Cassar's riches, as a foreigner suggested he engage round-the-clock security.
Back in the car, Mr Barroso, who is leading the EU delegation to Malta, was driven a few hundred metres to Auberge de Castille to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Dr Gonzi thanked Mr Barroso for his support and guidance throughout the past two years to help Malta achieve a smooth changeover.
Throughout the day, Dr Gonzi held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Council President and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jan‘a, among others.
The celebrations reached their climax in the evening with a classical concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra featuring internationally acclaimed Maltese opera stars Joseph Calleja and Miriam Gauci.
Security was tight around the MCC where men in dark suits, and women in fur coats, sparkling outfits and dazzling jewellery, started queuing to find a seat two hours before the concert started at 6.15 p.m. Interjected between speeches, the concert lifted the mood of the guests who displayed their approval with thunderous applause, which prompted a sensational encore by Calleja and Gauci, who were in fine form.
The evening ended much in the same way as the night that marked the introduction of the euro into Malta - New Year's Eve - as the heavens opened. However, this time round the sky was illuminated by lightning rather than fireworks.