Eurovision -- the curious annual song contest that sees a continent united around its televisions for an evening of high-energy songs, spangled costumes and ill-advised drinking games -- is once more upon us. Founded in 1956, it was intended as a way to bring together once-warring nations through the innocent medium of pop music. It hasn't necessarily ended the rivalries (the voting-based results system is notoriously territorial), but for the hundreds of millions watching on TV, Eurovision is a well-rehearsed, almost comforting routine. It's less comforting, however, for the competitors and fans dispatched to an unfamiliar city -- this year's Grand Final will be held May 10 at the B&W Grand Ballroom in Copenhagen -- to uphold or betray national honor with only leotard-clad backing dancers for company.
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This year's annual Eurovision song contest is being held in Copenhagen
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The Danish capital is increasingly famed for its nightlife
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Denmark is celebrating the 25th anniversary of legal same-sex civil partnerships. It was first country to permit them
Danish
Denmark
A better bet is smorrebrod, the traditional @placeholder open sandwiches that are escaping their lunchtime roots and entering the world of fine dining.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
For more basic fare still, there's always @placeholder's many and famous hot dog stands.
Danish
Denmark
Something of a @placeholder cliche, perhaps -- the city has one of the highest rates of bike use in the world -- but stick with us, because Eurovision 2014 needs all the environmental help it can get.
Eurovision
Eurovision
Eurovision
Something of a Danish cliche, perhaps -- the city has one of the highest rates of bike use in the world -- but stick with us, because @placeholder 2014 needs all the environmental help it can get.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
It's a place to consider also that even if @placeholder's attractions aren't enough, things could have been much, much more sedate.
Danish
Denmark
The capital won its bid to host the event against a series of notably smaller @placeholder locations.