Re: GREECE 2016
But what is the point of participating then? In my opinion, they would be better off taking a break and only broadcasting the show (like Ukraine this year).
It might be for several reasons that Greece (and Ukraine and some other countries that is unlikely able to host it if they win) to join Eurovision.
One may be Tourism. Greece is only reliable to that now when their economy is what it is and Eurovision is the best place for marketing their country and make themselves look in better daylight, away from the bad news that accurs too often.
Others may be joining for pride. A country like Albania or Moldova that never gets attention basically has the shot of competing in (almost at least) equal terms with greater european countries and may get not only noticed in Europe, but in the country itself when they do well, which makes a huge national pride. It may be so even that even when the country does bad, they can still feel the national pride feeling, especially if the song itself was popular.
Another ones may do it for political reasons. To maybe put a mark down that they are to be counted with and not forgotten. Even if they are poor or is in a war, they can still do it. Bosnia in the 90s had huge applauses when they were on stage and voted, which made an political impact on the viewers that they were still trying even if the times were rough. Also the song itself may have a political touch to it (which is fine by me as long it isn't racist or namedropping too much), which is also to make a mark in the viewers mind about certain matters in European politics.
There are for sure several more reasons, but to add one more that [MENTION=6762]DanielLuis[/MENTION] said, Greece won ESC for more than then years ago and it has still very popular despite everything that has happened lately. I think with Greece (and for Ukraine as well) is that it is making them feel nostalgic and make them remember the better times the country had, before everything went horribly wrong. Greece first entered ESC in 1974 and many greeks are just raised with the contest and it is a way to get away from the real life for a few hours and enjoy a show. That is something that all people that watches ESC feel, to get away from the stressful World for a few hours of entertainment!
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