Selfies galore as Eurovision kicks off in Vienna

Eurovision began in Vienna on Sunday, with thousands of fans arriving in the Austrian capital ahead of next weekend’s grand final, while renewed calls emerged to boycott the contest over Israel’s participation.

Vienna is hosting the 70th edition of the world’s most-watched music competition, with numerous concerts, screenings and fan events scheduled before the May 16 finale. On Sunday, Eurovision’s traditional turquoise carpet welcomed delegations from the 35 participating countries during a colourful opening ceremony.

Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, aka JJ poses on the turquoise carpet for the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at the City Hall Square in Vienna, Austria on May 10, 2026. The event is the official starting point of Eurovision week in Vienna. The city will host the two semi-finals on May 12 and May 14 and the final on May 16, 2026. _ AFP

“There is a lot of positive energy, people are smiling, they’re very warm”, France’s representative Monroe said as fans gathered for photos and celebrations.

The city has transformed parts of central Vienna into Eurovision fan zones, including a large square in front of the neo-Gothic city hall where classic moments from the contest’s seven-decade history are being screened. Eurovision attracts more than 170 million viewers worldwide and generates billions of views online each year.

Czech singer Daniel Zizka, representing Czech Republic with the song 'Crossroads', poses for photographers on the turquoise carpet for the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at the City Hall Square in Vienna, Austria on May 10, 2026. The event is the official starting point of Eurovision week in Vienna. The city will host the two semi-finals on May 12 and May 14 and the final on May 16, 2026. _ AFP

Finland is widely considered this year’s favourite, with singer Pete Parkkonen and violinist Linda Lampenius tipped for success. According to Finnish media, organisers made a rare exception allowing Lampenius to perform live violin on stage, despite Eurovision usually relying on pre-recorded instruments.

The event, however, has also been overshadowed by political controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia are among countries boycotting this year’s edition in protest over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.

Latvian singer Liene Atvara, aka Atvara and representing Latvia with the song 'Ena', poses for photographers on the turquoise carpet for the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at the City Hall Square in Vienna, Austria on May 10, 2026. The event is the official starting point of Eurovision week in Vienna. The city will host the two semi-finals on May 12 and May 14 and the final on May 16, 2026. _ AFP

More than 1,000 artists and groups, including Peter Gabriel and Massive Attack, have also called for a boycott. On Saturday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in central Vienna to protest Israel’s inclusion in the competition. Several hundred police officers were deployed to oversee security during the demonstration and throughout Eurovision events.

Germany, France, Italy and Britain automatically qualify for the final as the largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union. Host nation Austria also secured a place after local artist JJ won last year’s contest, although this year’s Austrian contestant, Cosmo, is not considered a leading favourite. — AFP