The 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest officially commenced this Sunday with the turquoise carpet event, as hundreds protested against Israel’s participation in the competition.
The traditional parade on the turquoise carpet marks the beginning of the Eurovision week, aimed at presenting the participants. This year, the event took to the streets of Basel, Switzerland, but was overshadowed by a broadcasting incident—the live transmission failed to show NAPA, who are representing Portugal with “Deslocado”.
Social media was ablaze with criticism of the event’s organization for this oversight, with many insisting it was not an error but rather a lack of consideration.
“It is unbelievable that the European Broadcasting Union and Eurovision organizers showcased all the artists on the turquoise carpet… except Portugal. This isn’t an ‘error’, it’s a lack of consideration. I hope RTP demands answers and takes action,” read a post on X, a social media platform.
“Giving airtime to a country that should not be participating in Eurovision (and for some, shouldn’t exist), yet skipping unproblematic countries like Portugal, which might struggle to qualify, is insane! RTP, do something,” commented another user.
again… giving screen time to a country who should not be participating in eurovision (actually shouldn’t exist at all) but skipping unproblematic countries like portugal who probably will struggle to qualify is insane!@RTP1 do something! https://t.co/RLpeXYN959
— maria (@hjyeogf) May 11, 2025
Outside the turquoise carpet festivities, hundreds gathered to protest against Israel’s Eurovision participation, citing the ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip. The most prominent slogans included “Israel: Open the borders to Gaza” and “Let the aid in”.
Protesters carried numerous Palestinian flags along the 1.3-kilometer turquoise carpet—the longest ever—while one individual was escorted away by police. Signs saying “No applause for Genocide” and “We sing while Gaza burns” were also displayed.
The Portuguese representatives, NAPA, are slated to perform in the first semifinal next Tuesday, taking the stage in the 7th position, situated between Sweden—the odds-on favorite—and Norway.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is scheduled to run from May 13 to 17 in Basel, Switzerland, following last year’s victory by Nemo with “The Code”.
