Eurovision Week formally opens with a Turquoise Carpet event. In theory, it’s akin to the red carpet at the Oscars, where all the artists get dressed up in their best finery – or clothing that conveys a message about their song – and enjoy some light banter with interviewers. From the perspective of the EBU, it’s a chance for viewers to be introduced to the acts of the week. In reality, it is an event that is often watched by diehard Eurovision fans who already know the acts inside out, and are tuning in to see what people are wearing.
But this year, the organizers in Basel gave us something slightly different – a Turquoise Carpet event that extended throughout the town, from Basel’s City Hall over the Rhine river to the Eurovision Village at Messeplatz. Instead of simply having the competing artists involved, it seemed like the entire city of Basel joined in, with marching bands, yodel clubs, and classic car aficionados joining in the fun.
I arrived in Basel about twenty minutes before the first artists arrived at the Euro Village to find the Clarastrasse – the main road leading to the venue – already packed with fans just waiting for the action to happen. Note the painted turquoise strip lining the side of the road:
The Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
Although I spotted some flags dotted in the crowd, most people just seemed happy to be in the crowd, rather than rooting for any particular act:
12 points for you on the Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
The parade started with Lumo, this year’s Eurovision mascot, coming through in the back of a truck. (Pity the person in this getup, as the weather was very warm today.)
“Do not feed the Lumo” (photo: Dudepoints)
Most artists arrived on heritage trams. Multiple acts shared a vehicle, usually identifiable by the flags emerging from the windows (in this case, Georgia and Azerbaijan).
Trams and Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
Estonia’s Tommy Cash was flanked by his fake security:
No Espresso for you on the Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska waved out of the window at fans.
From Poland to Basel, on a turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
San Marino’s Gabry Ponte was understandably fascinated by the mechanics of driving a heritage tram.
Tutta L’Trami, The Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
And Erika Vikman from Finland and Claude from Norway mingled with fans and press along the route.
Claude has an idea for a food truck, Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
Between Eurovision artists, there were musical performances from local groups showcasing the culture of Switzerland, including these performers from a fife and drum band.
Fife and Drums, The Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
One sign of the parade’s openness to all is the fact that it attracted a number of pro-Palestinian protesters. About 150 people assembled near the EuroVillage with signs, flags, and chants. In the middle of the parade, a small group of protestors went into the middle of the street to block the progress of trams. But after a few minutes, they were cleared by police.
Palestinian flags aloft at the Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
Aside from this one moment, the protests continued on the sidewalk, with a police presence nearby. The chants did not drown out the music from the bands, and everyone – people who came to see the parade and those that came to protest it – coexisted peacefully.
In the aftermath of the parade, Clarastrasse was covered in confetti. It lined the streets and was tracked into the adjacent shops.
If you take one home and plant it, you do not grow a Lumo. Thankfully. The Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
The entertainment around the Eurovision Village continued, with the brass band Nachfalter Schränzer getting the assembled crowd dancing outside the metal detectors at the entrance.
But can they play Scott Fitzgerald? The Basel 2025 Turquoise Carpet (photo: Dudepoints)
Sometimes There’s More Than The Photos
The photos don’t capture the crowd’s vibe, with families and fans darting across the street in between trams to get a better view. Everything felt celebratory, but also very informal; more like the spirit of a village fete than a major international event that billions will watch. And I really liked that.
These large-scale programmes bring a lot to a local economy, but they also cost a lot to put on. It feels like Basel is taking and implementing the lessons of Liverpool in creating Eurovision as a city-wide experience. Having a Turquoise Parade that both involves and provides something for the local community is a great way to make more people fans of the song contest; having one that allows for peaceful protest and dissent is even better.