As pop performers competed at Baku's Crystal Hall, music fans and curious passersby took part in festivities on the streets of the Azerbaijani capital. (Photos by Abbas Atilay of RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service)
Street Celebrations Pop Up In Baku For Eurovision

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Music fans turned out in force in the streets of Baku to enjoy the party atmosphere while finalists from 26 countries competing in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.

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Fans carry the flags of Azerbaijan, Turkey...

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...and Norway. In the end, singer Loreen won the final for Sweden.

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This woman sports a pro-democracy T-shirt. Many activists used the media attention surrounding Eurovision to raise concerns about Azerbaijan's human rights record.

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Others just came out to party.

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