France, May 13 -- With songs about everything from the joy of raving to the morning after the night before, from death and domestic violence to metaphorical milkshakes and poisoned cakes served in revenge, Eurovision is back for its 69th edition - hosted by Switzerland after singer Nemo's victory last year.

Ahead of the first semi-final on Tuesday night, the contest announced its arrival in host city Basel on Sunday with a parade - mixed with protests over Israel's participation - to kick off a week of revelry building up to the grand final on Saturday, 17 May.

The Eurovision Song Contest was launched in 1956 (with Switzerland the inaugural host) to foster European unity in the wake of the Second World War. A campy yet heartfelt celebra...