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In Vienna, Eurovision transforms the city into the world capital of music and fans. Between overpriced tickets, distant trips and record spending, supporters live their passion to the fullest. A week of madness where the event goes far beyond the stage to become an economic and cultural phenomenon.
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A refrain in French resonates in Vienna, Austria. This May 14, Eurovision fans finally met Monroe, candidate for France. “I came into the room, they started singing the song. It was incredible, it was very beautiful” confides the candidate. In the audience, Romain and Nadia came to Vienna for this.
Their passion in life is Eurovision: tens of thousands of fans gathered in a single city, for a whole week. They come from all over the world, from Australia to Brazil, Italy and Greece. In total, more than 70 nationalities are brought together.
“We’re making the trip. I love Eurovision. I’ve been watching it since I was little. It’s a huge pleasure for me,” says a fan. Another adds: “I flew 31 hours to come from Australia, so almost two days, but it’s worth it.” For another: “Even though we English are very bad, we love Eurovision, we take it very seriously.”
Before experiencing all this, 15 days before departure, in France, Romain and Nadia were already living to the rhythm of the event. They have their favorites. In first position, obviously France. They know the words by heart. When preparing for their big trip of the year, they already know that they risk blowing their budget, as Romain explains: “We know that it’s the game, so we tell ourselves how far we’re going. Given that it’s an international event, we understand that the prices cannot be the same as outside of Eurovision.”
Their stays begin with a little sightseeing across the country. Even before the first concert, they have already spent 2,477 euros on the flight and activities. And it’s only just beginning. Once there, it’s hard not to be tempted by the derivative products. It’s even planned in their budget: more than 170 euros spent. “Before coming, we look carefully, we try to plan the budget. Once we’re there, we say to ourselves: Come on, let’s go!”quips Romain ironically.
Because Eurovision is also a big business. In 2025, the event brought in the jackpot for the organizing city: 100 million euros. This year, Vienna hopes to do at least as much. So, some prices explode. For ten days, Romain and Nadia rented a small two-room apartment for 1,500 euros. At other times, it is much more accessible. “If we look at October for example, over a period of ten days: 735 euros in total. Fortunately we are there for Eurovision. But if we had come just to visit, to take advantage of the May bridges to visit Vienna, we can clearly see that we are being had.” he admits.
These fans are a boon for businesses, hotels, boutiques and restaurants. Everyone wants their piece of the pie. Ten traditional Viennese cafés have even been transformed into places reserved for fans. With, unsurprisingly, karaoke, special menus and very soberly decorated cakes, but enough to attract fans. Nadia says: “We’re discovering a little bit of Viennese cuisine and at the same time, we’re living our Eurovision passion. So it’s very nice to do both at the same time.”
The event broadcast in the heart of the city on giant screens
For all their meals, the couple will spend around 300 euros during their stay. For the fans, the consecration is this moment: the last minutes before entering the room. The tickets were snapped up at exorbitant prices: more than 1,500 euros for the semi-finals and the final for Romain and Nadia. The total of their trip: more than 6,000 euros for 10 days. “We spend this much to enjoy Eurovision. We are here to spend this money. It’s a bit of the realization of a year’s project to come to Vienna” believe the two French people.
Mission successful, they were in the front row. For those who don’t have tickets, the event is also broadcast in the heart of the city, on giant screens, for free, and that’s the only thing that is. The French candidate will take the stage on Saturday May 15 for the final, with, according to online bettors, a good chance of finishing in the top 10. Her fans have want to believe it.
