Eurovision

Last night was of course the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010, and naturally, I was in front of the telly for the whole thing. This time though, I had my first truly international experience of the show, watching with friends from Lithuania, Romania, and Turkey in a hall of residence for international students (and enjoying the Dutch commentary on the broadcast). There’s something special about Eurovision for me. Aside from it being one of the reasons I got interested in Europe (not the only one, but a significant influence nonetheless), I just love the idea that all across the continent, people are having Eurovision parties, and enjoying what must be the campest international tv event to have ever existed.

My all time favourite song remains ‘Dancing Lasha Tumbai’, courtesy of Ukraine’s Verka Serduchka from 2007.

But this time round, my votes (since when were we allowed more than one vote?) ultimately went to France, for their great song, and Greece, mainly out of loyal voting.

I could go on in a serious tone about the value of common European identity and friendship that is fostered by Eurovision, but that’d miss the point of it all. Eurovision is the perfect excuse to assemble friends and wine, and have a laugh at the outrageous costumes and songs, enjoying the pure fun of it all.