Nicosia, March 1, 2021
pappaspost.com
Cyprus’ entry in the 65th Eurovision song contest has been released, but not all Cypriots are proud of the tune that will represent their nation.
In fact, El Diablo (The Devil) by Elena Tsagrinou has sparked widespread controversy throughout the largely Orthodox Christian nation. One man was arrested and charged after his rowdy protest against the song at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC).
The CyBC, which is responsible for Cyprus’ entry, has received “an onslaught of complaints,” including threats to burn the station down, reports the Pappas Post with reference to the Cyprus News Agency.
However, the corporation says it’s all a big misunderstanding, based on an overly-literal interpretation of the lyrics. The song begins:
I fell in love, I fell in love
I gave my heart to el diablo, el diablo
I gave it up, I gave it up
Because he tells me I'm his angel, I'm his angel
Tsagrinou also sings: “Tonight we gonna burn in a party. It’s Heaven in Hell with you.”
Many are outraged by what they see as an obvious and satanic affront and mockery of Christianity, but the CyBC says the song is really about a girl in an abusive relationship with a man she calls “El Diablo.” The song is inspired by the “eternal struggle of good versus evil,” the corporation claimed in a statement.
However, many remain unconvinced and unswayed by the CyBC’s explanation. The ELAM political party stated: “Even if the verse ‘I gave my heart to el diablo (the devil) … I love el diablo” is on a metaphorical level, it does not stop sending wrong messages. At a time when our people are being tested hard, such moves hurt and offend our faith, the ultimate refuge of man and his hope.”
“We call on the Board of Directors of RIK to reverse its decision and choose a song that will promote the beauty, tradition and history of our place. We want Europeans to know this beautiful Mediterranean island for its special features and not for its love for the devil,” the statement continues.
“This is scandalous to us Christians,” said Demetrios P., who launched a petition against the song that currently has more than 13,000 signatures. “Dear fellow citizens, the participation of Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song ‘EL DIABLO’ is scandalous for us Christians. Join us in protest,” reads the message on the petition.
Another man has been charged with barging into the television station and abusing staff, telling them the song is an “affront to Christianity,” with its satanic connotations. Video shows the man shouting at several employees.
He has been charged with four offenses, including threatening behavior, verbal abuse, and causing a disturbance.
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