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"El Diablo" (The Devil), a dance mix performed
by Greek singer Elena Tsagrinou, sailed through the first semi
final of the contest held in Rotterdam on Tuesday night,
securing a place in the May 22 finals.
A small group of people with a powerful loudspeaker system
blaring Orthodox hymns protested peacefully outside Cyprus's
state broadcaster on Wednesday, saying the song promoted devil
worship.
Cyprus's influential Orthodox Church had waded into the fray
when the song was unveiled in February, calling for the tune to
be withdrawn. Thousands signed an online petition to that
effect.
"We must get rid of this blasphemy," said a Greek Orthodox
priest who declined to be identified. "It is an affront to
Cyprus, and a danger to our children."
Amid the Orthodox chants, the sound of El Diablo was blasting
from a nearby Cypriot household.
"This just promotes devil worship," said protester Eleni Ioannou,
62. "The old Eurovision used to be so good. Its all satanic
now."
The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation says the song is about the
battle between good and evil.
El Diablo is not the only entry to the annual contest with a nod
to satan. Norway have their song "Fallen Angel" by the performer
TIX, in chains and wearing white wings.
The Netherlands is hosting the 65th edition of the event, which
draws a television audience of about 200 million, after Dutch
singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence won the 2019 contest with the
song 'Arcade'.
The contest was not held in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic.
Die-hard fans had to make do instead with the Netflix hit:
"Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" featuring a
bumbling duo of soulmates, a giant hamster wheel, cult favourite
Jaja Ding Dong and murdering elves.
(Reporting by Michele Kambas; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
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