Savannah Antone

Swifties trade friendship bracelets, serenade each other

A rush of excitement descended on the Austrian capital in the days leading up to the three-day fest, according to locals, with Swifties filling the cobbled streets and spontaneously breaking out into song.

Several fans who were planning to attend shows in Vienna told CNN they participated in a series of events Thursday that were staged in a community-led effort to rekindle the spirit and 1xbet promo code free bet energy of the tour.

Footage has emerged of Swifties serenading each another at local squares in Vienna and trading personalized friendship bracelets – a concert tradition inspired by the lyrics on Swift’s song "You’re on Your Own, Kid" from her 10th studio album "Midnights."

Julia Schnizlein, a pastor at the Lutheran City Church, told CNN that she bought tickets as a Christmas gift for her 14-year-old daughter, Leni, who was left heartbroken on Wednesday.

"We were really looking forward to the concert and have met a lot of fans over the last few days," the 45-year-old said. "The whole city was full of happy, peaceful people exchanging bracelets and spontaneously singing together."

Instead, the pastor opened the doors of her church to host a Swift-themed singalong for fans. Social media videos show people bopping their heads to melodies of some of the Grammy-winning artist’s greatest hits – including "Blank Space" and "Style" – as music blares from the speakers of the hall, illuminated by the glow of yellow candles.

"People were crying, holding hands, singing along softly," said Kristi Hovington, 46, who wandered into the chapel after hearing tunes from the Eras Tour setlist. "It was such a beautiful moment, a pocket of beauty amidst the disappointment and anger."

The school librarian journeyed from Barcelona, Spain, to attend the tour with her 14-year-old daughter, Esme, who had dreamed of seeing Swift live in concert. "She cried for an hour, at least; this was her dream, to see Taylor."

Elsewhere in the capital, dozens of fans congregated at the Stephansplatz, a central square, to belt out an array of Swift songs. One participant, Elie Fares, said he was "devastated" for fans who had lost their chance to see the US pop star on tour.