A sea of red and white floods Valletta for high-stakes May Day rally

Updated 5.40pm

A sea of red and white has taken over Castille Square on Friday afternoon as Labour Party supporters gathered in Valletta for the annual May Day rally.

This year’s event holds special significance, not least because the party is marking 100 years of Workers’ Day celebrations but also because it is the first major rally since Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a snap general election on Monday.

Just days before, when rumours of an early election were reaching fever pitch, PL deputy leader Ian Borg had encouraged party supporters to turn up for the event and “listen to the long-awaited message of the prime minister”.

“The First of May always has been, still is and will continue to be the biggest holiday the Labour Party supports every year,” he said.

Throughout this week, the Labour leader has been revealing the party’s electoral proposals during daily press conferences and evening events.

PL merchandise for sale on the sidelines of the May Day rally. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

As the crowds gather and Labour’s "greatest hits” blare out from the speakers to a backdrop of air horns, many are wondering if any other electoral pledges will be revealed during Abela’s speech later this evening.

But first they will be entertained with a line up of DJs and veteran singer Mary Spiteri who is a self-confessed Labour supporter, although she insists she sings "for everyone". 

Mary Spiteri entertaining the crowds ahead of the main speeches. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli