As someone who has spent over two decades researching European Capital of Culture hosting processes — and, in particular, observing the role of opening ceremonies and the use of public space — I approached Oulu 2026’s opening weekend with a mix of curiosity and professional interest.

"Cultural climate change" is the inscription on the hat worn by the Mayor of Oulu, Ari Alatossava, at the inauguration of the year's European Capital of Culture. And it is the main theme of Oulu 2026, which opened with a snowy ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, who emphasized that "the theme invites us to think about how we can learn new things through cultural experiences and create a sustainable future."

Slovakia’s Trenčín, co-European Capital of Culture 2026 with Finland’s Oulu, offered a first glimpse of its rich cultural scene at Oulu’s opening festival last weekend. While Oulu launched its cultural year from January 16–18, Trenčín is preparing its own opening weekend from February 13–15, highlighting the city’s traditions, creativity, and community spirit.

A huge number of people gathered at the Oulu2026 Opening Festival to celebrate the launch of the European Capital of Culture year on 16–18 January. Around 200 events across Oulu city centre attracted over 250,000 visits. The programme offered a wide range of cultural experiences, from concerts to ice hockey, acrobatics to car tuning, panel discussions to pub quizzes, and from art exhibitions to dance parties in the snow.