Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel: The Uniting Force of Music
Roll up, folks, for a grand spectacle that's guaranteed to unite disparate cultures this coming 2025 - the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)! Basel, nestled snugly between France and Germany borders, is the selected host city, believed to be an excellent choice by ESC head Martin Osterdahl due to its strategic European position.
The ESC, initially christened Grand Prix Eurovision de la chanson, was first held in Switzerland back in 1956 in Lugano, after which Lausanne took the reins in 1988 following Canadian sensation Celine Dion's win with "Ne partez pas sans moi." Now, Switzerland is back on the roster as the 2025 host, following Nemo's triumph at this year's competition in Sweden with "The Code."
Factors such as venue suitability, public transportation connections, hotel availability, security considerations, sustainability, and city support were taken into consideration when selecting the host location by Swiss Radio and Television (SRG) and the European Broadcasting Union.
While four cities initially vied for the ESC hosting rights, Zurich, Bern, and their ally Biel were disqualified in July, leaving Basel and Geneva to compete. As fate would have it, Basel emerged victorious, positioning itself at the epicenter of Europe's musical unification.
Over the past six decades, the ESC has evolved into a prestigious international gathering. This year, an impressive 163 million viewers tuned in to watch the broadcast, with the event significantly propelling the hotel and tourism sectors of host nations.
The St. Jakobshalle, located just beyond Basel's borders, will serve as the event venue. This versatile stadium opened in 1976 and has welcomed more than 12,000 attendees on numerous occasions, hosting major sporting events and pop concerts.
In May, Nemo secured the ESC victory for Switzerland, beating out hot favorite Croatian contestant Baby Lasagna. Germany ended up in twelfth place. Nemo made history as the first non-binary winner of the ESC.
Switzerland has a storied history with the ESC, with Lugano and Lausanne hosting it in 1956 and 1988, respectively. The Swiss, with their unwavering dedication to offering top-notch facilities and support, have consistently proven themselves to be competent hosts for cultural events.
Stay tuned for more updates about this grand event! And if you've got a soft spot for musical heritages and global camaraderie, mark your calendars for an unforgettable 2025 Eurovision Song Contest extravaganza in Basel!
