The vibrant city of Basel is set to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, marking a significant moment in the festival's storied history. Scheduled for May 13, 15, and 17, 2025, this 69th edition will welcome 37 participating countries and is poised to be a spectacular celebration of music and culture.
This year, Eurovision introduces an official mascot named Lumo, designed by 20-year-old Lynn Brunner, a student at the Basel Academy of Art and Design. Lumo, whose name is derived from the word "luminous," embodies the spirit of the festival, representing unity through music. The mascot will engage with audiences throughout the event, promoting the values of diversity and respect that Eurovision stands for.
In conjunction with the festival, Turisme Comunitat Valenciana is organizing a promotional event in Basel on May 14, coinciding with the festivities. The event, titled "Euroclub Benidorm Fest Comunitat Valenciana," will showcase the tourism offerings of the Comunitat Valenciana to over 300 guests, including tour operators, specialized press, and enthusiastic eurofans. Held at Gare du Nord, the event promises to blend music, culture, and tourism in a unique setting.
According to Marián Cano, the Consellera of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, "Eurovision represents a unique window of visibility on a global scale, and we want to leverage that spotlight to showcase our tourism offerings, along with the talent and energy of our region." The initiative is supported by the Benidorm City Council, RTVE, FOTUR, and the Spanish Tourism Office in Switzerland, and will be hosted by María Eizaguirre, the director of communication at RTVE.
The promotional event will feature live performances from artists like Mawot, K!ngdom, and Kuve, all of whom have participated in previous editions of the Benidorm Fest, a festival that serves as Spain's preselection for Eurovision. This event highlights the growing connection between music and tourism in the region.
Following the promotional event, the Euroclub Benidorm Fest will take place in Benidorm on May 16 and 17, 2025, at the Parque de l’Aigüera. The program will include performances from artists such as JKBello, Kingdom, La Chispa, Daniela Blasco, and Carla Frigo, along with a DJ session by Dennis Moore. A special Euroclub Junior event will occur on May 17, featuring performances by Carlos Higes, Sandra Valero, and Chloe de la Rosa, leading up to the grand final of Eurovision, which will be broadcast live on giant screens from the park.
Chanel Terrero, who represented Spain in Eurovision 2022 and won the first Benidorm Fest, will serve as the spokesperson for the Spanish jury, announcing the 12 points awarded by Spain during the festival's final.
As the Eurovision festivities unfold, Melody, Spain's representative for the 2025 contest, is preparing for her performance of "Esa Diva". She conducted her first rehearsal on May 9, 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, accompanied by a talented dance team that includes Vicky Gómez and Ana Acosta. Melody expressed her excitement after the rehearsal, stating, "The sensations on stage were incredible. It has been a very positive first contact, and everyone on the team is very satisfied." The performance aims to present her as a powerful diva, with a choreography designed to progressively build energy.
The rehearsal showcased a dynamic performance where Melody, alongside her dancers, highlighted the theme of female empowerment. Melody remarked on a particularly special moment during the rehearsal, stating, "I loved when I danced alone with the girls because we are all together saying once again that we are all divas." The choreography, adapted for the Basel stage, was crafted by Mónica Peña and Álex Bullón, who incorporated two additional dancers to enhance the performance.
Melody's outfit, designed to stand out, features a black dress with ruffles and a traditional Cordovan hat, transitioning into a silver body adorned with over 15,000 crystals. The meticulous attention to detail extends to her microphone, which is also covered in crystals, ensuring every aspect of her presentation is striking. Raúl Amor, RTVE's stylist, commented, "Melody is the diva of today, the one who could be singing in New York, Las Vegas, or any major stadium in the world."
Vicky Gómez, a celebrated dancer and choreographer from Salamanca, is making her mark on the Eurovision stage. Having danced since the age of four and with a rich background that includes winning the talent show "Fama, ¡a bailar!" in 2008, Gómez has choreographed for various prominent projects, including the musical "Flashdance" and the Spanish representatives at Eurovision Junior. Her involvement adds a layer of professionalism and excitement to Melody's performance.
As the countdown to Eurovision 2025 continues, the excitement in Basel is palpable. The city, located at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France, serves as a strategic hub for promoting tourism to the Comunitat Valenciana. In 2024, France was the second-largest source of foreign tourists to the region, with over 2.2 million visitors, while Germany and Switzerland also contributed significantly to the tourism numbers.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is not just a showcase of musical talent; it is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. With events like the Euroclub Benidorm Fest and the vibrant performances planned, it promises to be a memorable occasion for participants and spectators alike. As Lumo, the official mascot, dances through the streets of Basel, the festival embodies the spirit of unity, showcasing how music can transcend borders and bring people together.
