Eurovision 2024: Meet Auri – Vienna Song Contest Mascot & Latest Updates

Vienna is ready to welcome the world – and a fluffy, pink and purple ambassador named Auri. The official mascot for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was unveiled today at Vienna’s City Hall, marking a significant step forward in preparations for the international music competition. The reveal, reported by Leadersnet and multiple Austrian outlets including Der Standard and DiePresse.com, signals a concerted effort by ORF, the Austrian national broadcaster, to build excitement and engagement ahead of the May event.

A Colorful Ambassador for Unity

Auri isn’t just a friendly face; ORF describes the mascot as a “colorful ambassador who conveys openness, respect and the joy of togetherness.” The intention, according to ORF’s press release, is for Auri to embody the spirit of unity and creativity central to the Eurovision Song Contest’s motto, “United by Music.” The mascot is specifically aimed at appealing to audiences of all ages, with a particular focus on children, and is intended to be a symbol of encouragement, urging individuals to pursue their dreams with the support of family and friends.

The choice of a mascot is a relatively recent tradition for Eurovision, but it’s become an increasingly important element of the contest’s branding and outreach. Auri’s design – described as fluffy and friendly – aims to be instantly recognizable and appealing, serving as a visual representation of the event’s inclusive values.

Beyond the Reveal: Auri’s Expanding Universe

The launch of Auri extends beyond a simple unveiling. ORF is already integrating the mascot into a broader promotional campaign. Auri is scheduled to make appearances at the Vienna City Marathon and various ORF children’s programs throughout May, maximizing visibility and connecting with a wider audience. This strategic placement aims to leverage the mascot’s appeal to generate buzz and attract attention to the upcoming contest.

Perhaps the most significant expansion of Auri’s story comes in the form of a dedicated children’s book, “Auri – The Show of His Life.” Penned by ORF editor and presenter Yvonne Lacina-Blaha, with illustrations by Styrian artist Herwig Holzmann, the book will be available across Austria from March 20th in bookshops and tabaconists, according to esctoday.com. Targeting children aged 7-12, the narrative focuses on Auri’s journey to the Eurovision stage, emphasizing themes of friendship, courage, and self-belief. ORF views the book as a valuable contribution to education and literacy promotion, reinforcing the contest’s commitment to public value.

Ticket Updates and Event Details

The Auri reveal wasn’t the only news coming from ORF this week. The broadcaster also announced details regarding a second wave of ticket sales for all nine Eurovision 2026 shows. Tickets will be available starting March 26th at 15:00 CET, but exclusively to those who registered during the initial registration period in November and December 2025 via eurovision.com or oeticket.com. This phased approach to ticket distribution aims to manage demand and ensure fair access for registered fans.

Further adding to the excitement, ORF has also unveiled some of the planned interval and opening acts for the contest. The first semi-final on May 12th will feature a 70-member choir performing “L’Amour Est Bleu,” a classic Eurovision hit from the 1967 contest – the last time Vienna hosted the event. Hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will also engage in a lighthearted segment to playfully distinguish Austria from Australia, joined by Go-Jo, Australia’s representative from the 2025 Basel contest. The second semi-final on May 14th will open with a performance of “Wasted Love,” the song that secured Austria’s hosting rights for 2026. Salzburger Nachrichten reports these details.

Culinary and Visual Experiences

ORF is also looking beyond the musical performances to create a comprehensive Eurovision experience. An official Eurovision Song Contest cookbook has been released, curated by Manuela Tiefnif of OGAE Austria, featuring culinary recipes from all 35 competing countries. This addition caters to fans interested in exploring the cultural diversity represented at the contest. ORF promises innovative light design that will set new standards for the event, enhancing the visual spectacle for both in-person attendees and television viewers.

What’s Next for Eurovision 2026?

With the mascot revealed, tickets on the horizon, and initial performance details announced, the focus now shifts to finalizing the remaining logistical elements of the contest. ORF will continue to roll out details regarding the stage design, security measures, and further interval act confirmations in the coming weeks. The release of “Auri – The Show of His Life” on March 20th will further solidify the mascot’s presence in the public consciousness. Fans can stay updated on all developments through the official Eurovision Song Contest website (songcontest.orf.at) and ORF’s dedicated Eurovision page. The contest is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of music and culture, with Auri poised to become a beloved symbol of the 2026 event.