Photo: www.starobserver.com.au
Like it or not, but the Eurovision Song Contest is probably Europe’s biggest music competition. An estimated 195 million viewers from across the old continent, China and Australia watched the two semifinals or the grand final last year alone; it’s a big deal. This year’s edition runs from May 18th through the 23rd and will be hosted by Austria’s capital city.
Since Austrian pop recording artist and drag queen Conchita Wurst won the contest last year with the song “Rise Like a Phoenix”, Vienna is where the magic will happen this time. The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 will consist of two semi-finals, which will take place on May 19 and 21, and a final, held on May 23. Forty countries will be represented at the contest, with Australia participating for the first time.
Like any other such big scale event, the competition is obviously a great opportunity for the world to get to know the city hosting it and the country's culture. Apart from several touristic ventures specially prepared for the occasion, Vienna’s officials also decided to keep the same pace of this year’s theme which is “Building Bridges”. The theme utilizes wave-shaped spheres meant to symbolize the diversity and the bridging of connections.
Part of the city's preparations apparently also implies reinventing some of the pedestrian traffic lights. Instead of a single figure walking or standing, the lights show two women, two men or a heterosexual couple hand in hand, with little hearts lighting up between them.
According to CNN, the city’s officials hope the new signals will improve road safety as well as highlighting Vienna’s commitment to equality, diversity, and tolerance. In the end, a total of 120 crossings will feature the new symbols.
Even though the competition was often criticized for its kitsch songs and weak performers, it remains one of the world’s biggest events of such kind. This year's contest is all the more special since it’s the 60th edition.
Like any other such big scale event, the competition is obviously a great opportunity for the world to get to know the city hosting it and the country's culture. Apart from several touristic ventures specially prepared for the occasion, Vienna’s officials also decided to keep the same pace of this year’s theme which is “Building Bridges”. The theme utilizes wave-shaped spheres meant to symbolize the diversity and the bridging of connections.
Part of the city's preparations apparently also implies reinventing some of the pedestrian traffic lights. Instead of a single figure walking or standing, the lights show two women, two men or a heterosexual couple hand in hand, with little hearts lighting up between them.
According to CNN, the city’s officials hope the new signals will improve road safety as well as highlighting Vienna’s commitment to equality, diversity, and tolerance. In the end, a total of 120 crossings will feature the new symbols.
Even though the competition was often criticized for its kitsch songs and weak performers, it remains one of the world’s biggest events of such kind. This year's contest is all the more special since it’s the 60th edition.
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