The Trenčín 2026 team presented itself at the ECoC Family Meeting in Oulu, Finland. Instead of formal presentations, it brought experiences – music, theatre, and artistic gastronomy. A small taste of the big cultural year that awaits us.
Music, theatre, poetry and food at one table. This is also how a presentation of a European Capital of Culture can look.
At the beginning of September, the Trenčín 2026 team took part in the ECoC Family Meeting in Oulu, which is also one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2026. Instead of standard formal presentations, we decided on our own path – we brought live art.
Under the motto “Awakening Curiosity” we presented several samples from the programme we are preparing for 2026. Music, theatre and artistic gastronomy created an unforgettable atmosphere and showed that Trenčín 2026 will be about experiences and stories.
Slovak ballads in a modern form
The opening tones were provided by the Ildikó Kali Trio, who brought Slovak folk ballads to Oulu in a contemporary musical form. Their subtle arrangements balancing between ethnic motifs and chanson resonated with the audience and offered a deep look at our cultural identity.
Laughter and a mirror to society
Actor and comedian Pavol Seriš then lightened the atmosphere with his original comedy At the Checkout. With humour and a dose of irony, he parodied consumer society and pointed to situations that everyone knows well – whether from shops or everyday life.
Food as ritual and artwork
The programme culminated with a gastro-performance Bruchovravy, prepared by Dávid Koronczi in cooperation with Trenčín chef Pavol Žiška. Shared dining became ritual, art and conversation at the same time. Food here was not just food – it was poetry, performance and a mirror of cultural dialogue.
Culture as Europe’s common language
The presentation in Oulu was a strong gesture: culture connects us across borders.
Our team in Oulu:
Petra Mikulášová, Programme Director – in a live broadcast she presented our ambitions and the most important milestones
Martin Mojžiš, International Relations Manager – introduced our partnerships and collaborations
Mária Janušová, Chief Dramaturge – presented the Trenčín 2026 programme and prepared the dramaturgy of the cultural programme
Hana Laššová, Public Space Manager – spoke about the important theme of placemaking, as well as work with communities and volunteering, which are our pillars
Preparation and organisation: Róbert Méder, Lenka Kališ Beláková, Zdenka Pepelová, Veronika Juricová, Tereza Fojtová, Laura Rosina Krošláková and other members of the organisational team.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this presentation. We showed that Trenčín 2026 will stand on courage, cooperation and the desire to awaken curiosity. This is our energy that we want to carry into the whole year 2026.
Culture is not only about performances. It is a way of being together, discovering and connecting. That is also why Trenčín 2026 will be exceptional.
Authors of photographs: Linnea Laatikainen, Kevin Kallombo
