Europe has always been a continent of pain and sorrow, but as the Iron Curtain collapsed and the War was over, countries opened their doors and subsequently their hearts to each other. In this process, Eurovision played a role as well.

Currently, the daily lives of many Europeans are full of confusion and instability — whether it’s that your classes have been suspended or your office has closed or the fact you cannot visit loved ones.

While we all love to believe that our beloved Eurovision Song Contest will be able to celebrate its 65th anniversary, we have to be aware that safety measurements have to be followed as well.

Alternative ideas have been announced as well in order for Eurovision to continue. But final decisions are to made to in the coming weeks.

A plea for Eurovision to unite Europe again

However, the mindset of some has changed towards Eurovision. On social media, several fans have suggested that Eurovision would be a perfect way to unite a continent that is going through a lot of sorrow and pain. In whatever shape or form.

Well-regarded Dutch children’s author and Eurostory blogger Edward van de Vendel posted a plea to make Eurovision the event to let Europe be united again. Van de Vendel closes his plea with the words:

“The Eurovision Song Contest was once conceived as an instrument to unite Europe. How could an effort like that possibly make it to its 65th birthday to now shrug and turn its back on the shared fate of all Europeans? Hence this appeal: if the authorities decide it’s for the best to cancel the entire festival, then so be it. But if not – please make this the most memorable edition ever. Eurovision: please provide us with the necessary distraction. Eurovision: please encourage us. Eurovision: please unite us.”

Food for thought https://t.co/Y0aGgIfONz — Cornald Maas (@cornaldm) March 13, 2020

This plea received immediate support from Cornald Maas, Eurovision 2020’s Creative Director and the Netherlands’ commentator. Cornald called the article by Van de Vendel “food for thought”.

Italians unite themselves by singing songs

In Italy, where social restrictions are the most severe on the continent, people also found a way to show solidarity. In the city of Siena, people gathered on their balconies to sing together. Soon this movement spread through Italy.

In Taranto, people gathered on the balconies to sing “Fai rumore” by Diodato, the Italian entry for Eurovision 2020.

In these unprecedented times, music can provide solace. In Italy, people are trying to raise their spirits by singing songs from their balconies, including Diodato's Eurovision 2020 entry "Fai Rumore". https://t.co/JUp7yh7ZkS — wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) March 13, 2020

Meanwhile in Rome, a whole neighbourhood belted out “Volare”, the song that helped Domenico Modugno to third place in Eurovision 1959.