BASEL, Switzerland — The buzz in Basel during the Eurovision Song Contest revolves around one word: sauna. While Basel isn’t exactly a sauna hub, the Finnish village of Vora is famed for its sauna culture, and three local performers are bringing that vibe to this year’s contest.
The band KAJ, a favorite to win with their catchy song “Bara Bada Bastu,” which means “just take a sauna,” represents Sweden but hails from Finland, a nation known for its abundant saunas and strong cultural ties.
On stage, KAJ performs in a rustic cabin setting, with dancers dressed as lumberjacks and all in white towels. Their song features an energetic chorus and an enthusiastic shout of “sauna!” that has followed them throughout the contest.
Jakob Norrgård, one of the band members, shared his excitement about being part of Eurovision, describing it as a friendly and welcoming experience. The only downside? They haven’t had a chance to enjoy a sauna since arriving in Basel.
Holmström, another member of the band, expressed pride in representing sauna culture. He emphasized its health benefits and the social connections it fosters.
Formed in 2009, KAJ initially performed at local events in their dialect before unexpectedly winning Sweden’s national Eurovision selection contest, Melodifestivalen. Their upcoming performance in the final is set to be viewed by over 150 million people.
The winner of Eurovision will be determined through public voting and national jury points. If KAJ triumphs, it would mark a historic eighth win for Sweden since Eurovision began in 1956, joining the ranks of legendary winners like ABBA.
For the sauna enthusiasts from Vora, the competition has sparked cultural exchange. They even transported a mobile sauna to Basel, allowing visitors to experience this cherished tradition. Local residents, including some from other countries, came together to enjoy the sauna and socialize, creating a unique gathering spot.
This sauna culture has deep roots in Finland, where it is often used as a setting for important discussions, a practice called “sauna diplomacy.” On stage, KAJ pays homage to Finland’s past leaders while providing comic contrast to the glitz of the competition.
Norrgård humorously noted how their simple performance stands out against the elaborate nature of Eurovision. It captures the essence of their style — mixing fun with a message that resonates.
As the contest progresses, the spotlight remains on KAJ and the beloved sauna culture, blending traditional values with modern entertainment.
