Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Basel or Geneva, Which Swiss City Wins the Bid? 🇨🇭
Hey there music lovers! The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is a globetrotting spectacle where more than 35 nations join forces to showcase their musical talent. It's like the ultimate World Cup of pop, featuring one submission from each participating nation. The winning country gets the golden ticket to host the next ESC, but they're not obligated to do so.
In 2024, Switzerland's "The Code" by Nemo took the crown at ESC, giving Switzerland a shot at hosting the big event two years later. But which Swiss city will earn the honor of hosting this international melody party? Is it Geneva, the international city, or Basel, the border hopper? Let's dive in and find out!
Basel: A Balance of Local and Global 🌐
Basel is all about unity and diversity, much like the ESC itself! The city's slogan, "transcending borders," aligns perfectly with the expansive scope of the Eurovision Song Contest. Basel is a meeting point for Switzerland, Germany, and France, making it a natural fit for a global music event.
The city is no stranger to hosting large gatherings. Annual events like the Fasnacht festival draw in 200,000 attendees, while the prominent Art Basel art fair attracts over 80,000 visitors. Major sporting events also take place at the St. Jakobshalle, with a seating capacity of 12,000 people—enough for the ESC audience. To make room for even more fans, Basel suggests a 20,000-person viewing area near the football stadium.
Geneva: A Neutral, International Haven 🌐
Geneva's reputation as the "most international city in Switzerland" sets it apart as an excellent choice for the ESC. With nearly 40% of its population being foreigners, Geneva seamlessly weaves a tapestry of cultural diversity. This city's international flavor is further enhanced by its roles as the United Nations European headquarters and home to numerous UN special organizations and private aid organizations.
The ESC proposition in Geneva would unfold at the Palexpo, a popular venue for large exhibitions and international congresses, capable of accommodating 15,000 spectators. The close proximity of the Palexpo to the airport and the city makes Geneva an easy-to-reach location for attendees.
Accessibility of Geneva and Basel 🚶♂️
Both Basel and Geneva enjoy convenient accessibility perks. Geneva's airport-to-city connection is a breeze, with Palexpo being only 7 minutes away by train. Basel's smaller Basel-Mulhouse Airport on French soil can be reached via bus and train within 40-50 minutes. Taking a train from Zurich Airport, it will take about 1.5 hours to reach Basel.
Basel vs. Geneva: Which City Will Take the Stage? 🏆
Initial preference for Basel among German fans, who would almost feel like home, is understandable. Basel embodies a local yet global atmosphere that might offer an exceptional Eurovision experience, given its proximity to Germany and diverse events. Geneva, on the other hand, oozes internationalism, making it the perfect stage for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the ESC and has its HQ in the city.
Both cities are equally charming and offer unique advantages as potential Eurovision hosts. Ultimately, the decision comes down to votes and collaboration from the relevant parties. Who knows? Maybe the ESC will ultimately bring these two mighty Swiss cities even closer together!
Stay tuned to find out the winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest! 🎶🇨🇭
