The Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR has unveiled exciting plans for a spectacular event to kick off the most anticipated music week of the year, starting on Sunday, 11 May 2025.
Once again, the Eurovision Song Contest promises a spectacular show for fans and visitors alike in the vibrant Swiss city of Basel.
On 13, 15, and 17 May, the iconic St. Jakobshalle will host 37 countries, each aiming for the prestigious crystal microphone. As tradition dictates, Eurovision week officially begins with the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony, where all participating delegations parade before the press and excited fans.
On Monday, 14 April, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and SRG SSR revealed full details of the event that will officially kick off Eurovision festivities in Basel on Sunday, 11 May from 14:00 CEST.
A Grand Musical Parade Welcoming Eurovision 2025’s 37 Artists
Basel will roll out the largest turquoise carpet in Eurovision history for an Opening Ceremony designed to be an unforgettable event.
The parade route will begin at Basel Town Hall Square, continue across the Central Bridge, and end at the fairgrounds, home of the Eurovision Village.
The turquoise carpet parade is scheduled to start at 14:00 CEST, with fans able to enjoy the spectacle along the route for approximately two hours. From around 15:15 CEST, the first delegations will arrive at the main stage of the Eurovision Village at Messe Basel, where they will be welcomed by the public—a must-see free event during Eurovision week.
Organizers are determined to bring the Eurovision spirit directly into the heart of Basel, ensuring that artists feel the support and energy of their fans.
A Colorful Parade of Music, Tradition, and Dance
All 37 delegations will make their grand entrance with their respective songs. Historic trams will transport artists to the Eurovision Village, adding a unique local touch.
The citywide parade promises a vibrant blend of performances, featuring:
- Basel’s drummers and fifers
- Carnival groups
- Dance troupes
- School ensembles
- Guggen musicians
- Alpine horn players
- And even techno acts
This mix of tradition and modernity will transform Basel into a musical playground during the Opening Ceremony.
Eurovision 2025 in Basel: Everything You Need to Know About the 69th Edition
In 2024, Nemo triumphed at Malmö Arena with the song “The Code”, sparking a fierce competition among Swiss cities to host Eurovision 2025. After a close race, Basel emerged as the winning bid.
Basel will become the epicenter of European music as it hosts the 69th edition of the contest. The city is preparing an extraordinary production, with Eurovision 2025 taking place on 13, 15, and 17 May at St. Jakobshalle.
The EBU described the host city selection process as “highly competitive,” with four cities submitting official bids. Basel and Geneva made the final shortlist, and in the end, Basel—Switzerland’s third-largest city—was selected.
As part of the bid evaluation, SRG SSR’s team thoroughly assessed the venue’s infrastructure, the city’s capacity to accommodate thousands of international visitors, and technical requirements.
Interestingly, Eurovision is not returning to a capital city, something that last happened in Lisbon 2018.
Tickets, Special Events, and Eurovision Street
Basel will introduce a full companion program that includes special performances by Eurovision stars at Arena Plus. The Eurovision Street concept, successfully tested in Malmö 2024, will also come to life in Basel. This vibrant space will be set up across Steinenvorstadt and along Kleinbasel Rheinbord, offering fans more opportunities to celebrate Eurovision.
St. Jakobshalle: The Stage for Eurovision 2025
The city of Basel has chosen the St. Jakobshalle arena as the main venue for Eurovision 2025. This multi-purpose venue can accommodate up to 12,400 spectators live, with seating configurations adaptable to meet the unique needs of the Eurovision stage.
Boasting 20,000 square meters of event space, St. Jakobshalle is known as Switzerland’s most versatile arena. It regularly hosts a wide range of events, from sports matches and concerts to exhibitions, seminars, and large corporate celebrations.
Eurovision 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest and boldest editions yet, and all eyes are now on Basel as it prepares to welcome Europe—and the world.