Eurovision unveils Burgas as 2027 host, with dates that clash with Israel’s Memorial Day

Eurovision organizers announced Thursday that the 2027 contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, on May 11, 13 and 15, dates that clash with Israel's Memorial Day. Israel is expected to request to perform in the second semifinal to avoid the holiday, as it did in 2016. The city beat Sofia to host, following a 'complex' evaluation. Bulgaria hosts for the first time after Dara won in 2026.

Eurovision organizers announced Thursday that the 2027 competition will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, on May 11, 13 and 15. The dates clash with Israel's Memorial Day, prompting an expected request from Israel to perform in the second semifinal to avoid the holiday, a precedent set in 2016 in Stockholm. Burgas, a popular destination for Israelis with direct flights from Tel Aviv, edged out Sofia following a 'complex' evaluation covering all EBU requirements, according to BNT general director Milena Milotinova. This will be Bulgaria's first time hosting after singer Dara won this year's contest in Vienna with 'Bangaranga.' On Wednesday, the EBU announced new rules barring countries affected by 'armed conflict' or 'sensitive geopolitical situation' from hosting, widely seen as aimed at Israel, which finished second this year and last year. The 2026 contest drew 131 million viewers, down 35 million after five countries boycotted over Israel's participation. The Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia pulled out, with the latter three refusing to broadcast. It remains unclear if any will return, though Slovenia and the Netherlands may reconsider.