The aim of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture project is to make Veszprém, together with that region, a new cultural hub of Europe.

The European Capital of Culture title is an opportunity for the region to join forces to showcase its centuries-old traditions, cultural diversity, gastronomy and natural assets to the whole of Europe and the local public - including expats in Hungary.  

Whether it's music played for big crowds, small acoustic concerts or street performances, the city's vibrant cultural diversity aims to captivate all visitors. 

Newly opened design shops, bars and local gastronomy establishments aim to help guests really enjoy the city centre.  

Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region now have the chance to boost their profile as popular tourist destinations, given the beauty of the landscape, the sophistication of locals, and the quality of programmes on offer, the minister told the press in Budapest.

A spectacular celebration will kick off the cultural capital season in Veszprém on January 21, with 50 free events at 13 locations put on throughout the city over the weekend.

The European Capital of Culture initiative began almost 40 years ago as a way to highlight intersections of European cultural heritage and community, Minister Navracsis said, adding that the idea is to show that there is more that unites the nations of Europe than separates them.

Here's the programme of special events for the grand opening sent to XpatLoop by the organisers:

21 January - Opening Ceremony Day Events

On the stage in Szent Imre Square, fans of folk music and folk dance are welcome, while in the square in front of Mackó Confectionery bar pianists will dazzle the admirers of the genre. In the square in front of City Hall, singing will be in focus: choirs from Veszprém and the region will sing for and with the audience.

In Papírkutya, jazz, blues and soul daredevils will impress the audience all day long, and in Expresszó, the family party starts at 10 am, with a special electronic music party for all ages.

In Kirakat, the talented musicians of the Little Moon production will play from 2 pm until midnight, while in Petőfi Theatre Veszprém, fans of operetta, theatre and literature will find the performance they like.

On this day, there will also be four guided walks (10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00), courtesy of the Archdiocese of Veszprém, where you can get an insight into the works in progress and the history of the town.

From 20.00 to 21.00, the opening ceremony will take place in three locations: Old Town Square, Kossuth Street and the Castle, with spectacular performances. Light painting, music, dance, special choreographies and spectacular elements will weave through the streets of downtown Veszprém, bringing to life the history of the city, the diversity and values of the region and all that we can be proud of.

After the opening performances, the main entertainment will take place: electronic music DJs will spin records in Óváros Square from 9pm to 1am, while Necc Party will take place in front of the Central Post Office, bringing party-goers the delicacies of the 90s and 2000s.

22 January – The Day of Hungarian Culture

First, there will be another Veszprém Walk, courtesy of Tourinform, and the Archdiocesan Walks will continue at four times (10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00). House of Arts will have exhibitions all day from 10.00 until 8.00, and at KUNSZT! you can see the thought-provoking works of Lithuanian photographer Remis Ščerbauskas.

And when it comes to exhibitions: in Balatonfüred, a major exhibition by Imre Bak will open at 16.00 at Vaszary Gallery.

Two performances await theatre lovers at Hangvilla. The production of The Hammer of the Village starts at 20.00, and János Háy's reading theatre performance of Karaffa - It's me begins at 18.30.

From 17.00 in the University of Pannonia's great hall, Ádám Bősze and Krisztián Nyáry will perform with the Mendelssohn Orchestra. The focus will be on the 200th anniversary of the birth of 'Hymn'.

In Papírkutyva we meet a participant of the InterUrban project: the 2022 ECoC title holder city of Kaunas. The quintet CinAmono from Kaunas will perform playful improvisations on stage from 8 pm.

You can see further programme details here

More:
VeszpremBalaton2023.hu