Surrounded by nearly 500 supporters,

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino celebrated his election to a third term over City Councillor Peggy Davis-Mullen

at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel last night.

In his victory speech, Menino pledged not only to continue the work he has begun, but to build upon it.

“I stand before you to tell you that this is a new day . . . I see it as a chance to begin again,” he said. “I promise to make this my best term ever.”

The victory celebration began well before the election’s results were announced. Many Bostonians expected Menino to run away with the election, and his supporters echoed that belief.

“He’s done a fantastic job with the city, particularly with the minority polulation,” said Menino supporter Terrence L. Parker. “I expect him to win by a landslide.”

The hotel’s grandiose ballroom sported only sparse Menino decoration. Turquoise and whitebanners on and above the podium read “For Mayor Menino,” as if to dedicate the celebration to him, instead of the more traditional “Menino For Mayor.”

Swing music from an eight-piece band, cold cuts and crackers, and $5 beers dominated the hours before Menino’s appearance.

A large projection screen covering a wall of the ballroom began posting polling results shortly after precincts closed at 8:30 p.m., confirming the expected Menino landslide of about a three-to-one margin.

As soon as the initial vote tallies were posted, the crowd of supporters turned their attention to the screen. When the band finished their song, the room was entirely silent; chit-chat had ended and conversations had been cut short.

But the few moments of silence belied the mingling and chatter which marked most of the night.

“He’s a good man for a great city,” said Mark P. McGrath, an advisor to Menino’s campaign and the mayor’s former liaison to the gay and lesbian community. “I think it’s a great night for the mayor. This shows his support among a broad cross-section of people.”

Menino finally made his appearance at about 9:45 p.m., 15 minutes later than planned. Taking the stage with friends and family , including three grandchildren carried in parents’ arms, the mayor was greeted by uproarious applause and cheering. Menino, seemingly enthused by the crowd, clapped his hands and pumped his fist repeatedly.

When the cheering subsided, a chorus of ringing cellphones filled the silence.