On Saturday the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme began with a grand variety of programmes and a grandiose opening ceremony.
This year Veszprém together with the Bakony- Balaton region will be the European Capital of Culture. The series of programmes of Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture officially started on 21 January 2023.
Alíz Markovits, CEO of Veszprém- Balaton 2023 Plc mentioned that it’s important to fill the historic centre with vibrant life on a day to day basis. Furthermore, the aim was to strengthen the local creative communities and to organize a series of programmes for the inhabitants of smaller villages. The events were organised in unconventional places to make the opening programmes more special, for example there were concerts at ruins and industrial parks. During the year more than 3 thousand events await those who are interested.
Katalin Novák, President of Hungary, were also present at the opening ceremony of the series of programmes in the evening and she emphasised the following: “family is also the cradle of culture, including Hungarian and European culture, which is rooted in family”.
In the city centre of Veszprém from 10:00 a.m. until Sunday dawn there was a big variety of programmes that entertained the audience of all ages. Also local history enthusiasts could participate in guided walks in the Castle, organised by the Archdiocese of Veszprém.
The grandiose opening ceremony that lit up the city like a bright comet from 8:00 p.m. took place in three different locations – Old Town Square, Kossuth Street and in the Castle. Light painting, mapping, music, dancing and unique choreographies, musical and visual elements made the streets of the city centre of Veszprém very spectacular while the history of the city, diversity and values of the region, and the vision of the European Capital of Culture came to life. The evening provided an unforgettable visual experience for spectators of all ages with the contributions of the Yvette Bozsik Company, dance choreographer Zoltán Zsuráfszky Jr. and the group Glowing Bulbs who are famous for their lighting work.
The start of the programme year of the European Capital of Culture marks the beginning of a period of time that will open new doors for those who live in Veszprém and for those who visit the city. These doors lead to our cultural treasures and values. To that rich heritage which spans centuries even millennia and which can make every Hungarian person proud.
Source: MTI/turizmus.com
Source: Veszprém-Balaton2023
