Preparations in Full Swing for Eurovision in Basel as Seniors Dance to Disco Beats Over 60 Years Old
Party Time for Seniors: A Eurovision Retro-Bash in Basel!
Over a thousand senior citizens stormed the dance floor at the Eurovision Song Contest festivities, proving it's never too late to get down! Basel, the Swiss border city hosting this year's glamorous spectacle, is leaving no stone unturned in making the most of the occasion.
With the 69th edition of the global live television sensation upon us, Basel is pulling out all the stops, organizing a series of events to make the festival even more unforgettable.
"Eurovision is my highlight," said Liz Gilbert, a lively 64-year-old donning a fabulous 1970s ensemble. "It's not just on TV anymore; it's here in my hometown!" she exclaimed, beaming with excitement.
The dance floors buzzed with energy, as women outnumbered men, grooving their hips to the rhythm of the music. One dance floor spun Swiss tunes in the national languages, while the other dished out classic rock and pop hits from the '60s to '80s.
"We're here to celebrate the disco, just like the old days, and bring people from across Switzerland together for a fantastic time!" said Celine Koenig, spokesperson for Pro Senectute, an organization dedicated to the elderly, who helped organize the event.
The tickets, a steal at 9 Swiss francs ($11), sold like hotcakes – around 1,400 seniors couldn't resist the chance to frolic and reminisce with a backdrop of iconic tunes from the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, Chubby Checker, Boney M., Wham!, and ABBA.
Dominique Guerdat, 67, and Carmen Deillon, 61, rolled up with their gym group from Delemont, ready to party! "We're having a blast, dancing, laughing, meeting people, and drinking – cheers!" Guerdat declared, while Deillon expressed her disappointment that more people didn't go all out in 70s garb. "I thought everyone would dress up, but there aren't many. Still, it's great, and the music is epic," she said, her eyes twinkling with joy.
Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster, SRG, acknowledged the decrease in social opportunities as one ages and emphasized the importance of events like these. "Our party aims to connect seniors aged 60 and over and celebrate together. Joy comes through music and dance," it stated.
Switzerland's victory in Malmö, Sweden, with Nemo's "The Code" in 2024 secured the country the right to host this year's Eurovision. The extravagant kitsch celebration unfolds at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena, with semifinals on May 13th and 15th, and the grand finale on May 17th.
Basel debuted as the Eurovision venue in 1956 before returning to host duty in 1989; it seems history has a way of repeating itself – in a good way!
- The retro-themed Eurovision bash in Basel is not just an entertainment event, but a lifestyle celebration for the elderly, offering a fusion of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and a variety of other activities.
- The dance floor at the Eurovision Song Contest festivities is a place where people of all ages can come together, with the senior citizens dominating the scene and displaying an unbridled love for the glitzy extravaganza.
- The sidelines of the Eurovision event in Basel are far from ordinary, as they feature sports activities such as gym group meetups, adding an energetic and vibrant dimension to the festivities.
- In the heart of Basel, the Eurovision 2025 host broadcasting is making sure that the elderly are well represented and catered to, not just with music and dance, but by emphasizing the importance of social interactions and connections.
- The Eurovision Song Contest in Basel is more than just a music festival; it's a grand showcase that encompasses sports, fashion, lifestyle, and community spirit, making it an unforgettable extravaganza for both the young and the elderly.
- With the 69th Eurovision event underway, Basel is utilizing its rich history of hosting the contest twice before (in 1956 and 1989) as an opportunity to create a nostalgic yet modern spectacle that celebrates the music, culture, and camaraderie of the global event.
