RTVE withdraws from Eurovision finals, disrupting Spanish viewing traditions

Spain’s public broadcaster will not air the Eurovision Song Contest finals on Saturday night for the first time in seven years, after withdrawing from the competition in protest of Israel’s participation over its war against Hamas in Gaza. The decision has disrupted traditions for Spanish fans, including Silvia Díaz, whose annual gathering with friends was called off by the host. Díaz said she will watch on YouTube only if she has no other plans, adding that it is “not the same watching it alone at home as it is with friends.”

Eurovision, a five-day competition usually marked by heavy media attention and widespread communal viewing, drew 166 million viewers last year. Spain has not won since 1969, but fans often follow the process through television, radio and newspapers, and many watch the final at home or in bars. At previous editions, Spaniards attending the event have been visible by waving flags, wearing red and dressing in costumes associated with bullfighting.

Spain announced its boycott in December after the European Broadcasting Union said Israel would be allowed to compete. The broadcaster’s withdrawal has been joined by Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland....