Ramping Up the Rhythm in Basel: Eurovision 2025's Border-Breaking Bash
Prepare for a musical extravaganza on the border of Germany as the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) unfolds in Basel, Switzerland, in 2025. The city, Switzerland's third largest, clinched the competition against Geneva, with the final showdown on May 17th.
While Basel gears up for the tourist influx, Lörrach, just a stone's throw away, is especially thrilled. Independent Mayor Jörg Lutz puts it succinctly in their bid video, "We're gonna turn this trinational corner into the 40-nation corner of Eurovision!" As hotel prices in Basel soar to European hundreds already, Lörrach's hospitality comes as a trump card.
The charming St. Jakobshalle, known for hosting tennis tournaments, steps up to play host, with a capacity of 12,000 people. The St. Jakob-Park stadium, adjacent, can accommodate 20,000 more, allowing both venues to broadcast the show on their respective stages. The city estimates the costs to be about 37 million euros in Swiss francs.
Breaking Down Barriers, Basel Style
Basel thrives on breaking boundaries, thanks to its unique position at the intersection of Germany and France. Communities here work so seamlessly that residents barely notice the borders. Basel's application for the ESC aptly proclaimed, "The ESC connects and inspires, across all borders."
As political tensions rise in regions like Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, the ESC's theme of unity resonates powerfully. Basel's commitment to breaking down barriers is evident in its culture, as it welcomes people from all corners of the continent.
Switzerland's ESC Triumph
The Swiss clinched the ESC hosting rights due to Nemo's win at the 68th ESC in Malmö. This annual event sees public broadcasting organizations from across Europe vie for the top spot. The victorious nation often hosts the subsequent contest.
Nemo, the non-binary star, conquered hearts with their song "The Code", sharing their personal journey. Nemo secured the top spot in both jury and public votes, edging out Croatia. Germany's contender, Isaak, ranked 12th.
Basel has a rich history, boasting pharmaceutical giants like Roche and Novartis, and legendary Fasnacht celebrations dating back to the 14th century, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Art enthusiasts know the Museum Fondation Beyeler for its modern and contemporary art collections.
Basel's ESC Provenance
Switzerland has hosted the ESC thrice, with debut performances in 1956 in Lugano, followed by two victories—Lys Assia in 1956 and Céline Dion in 1988. By comparison, Germany has only hosted the ESC twice: Nicole in 1982 and Lena Meyer-Landrut in 2010.
The European Union expresses its unwavering support for Switzerland's hosting of the ESC. Basel's bid opens the door for meaningful cross-border collaborations among various European cities. Through this cultural exchange, the Eurovision Song Contest fosters unity—proving that music truly is the universal language that transcends borders.
Additional European cities are set to collaborate with Basel during the contest, further cementing international relationships and cultural exchange. The event serves as an opportunity for the European Union and Switzerland to further strengthen their partnership, showcasing the shared values that the contest embodies.
More Than Just a Contest
Aside from the main competition, side events like the EuroClub, geared towards a younger audience, and the U60 disco for the elderly, will take place in the Basel exhibition grounds from May 10 to 17. Ticket sales for these events will follow shortly.
The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg has been announced as a National Partner for the event, emphasizing its commitment to supporting cultural events and connecting people across Europe. Novartis, Basler Kantonalbank, Helvetia, and Swisscom have also pledged their support, making the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 a collaborative effort.
With a theme of "United by Music," this year's Eurovision Song Contest promises to bring together music lovers from all over the world. The event is expected to draw in over 160 million viewers, making it a truly global affair.
