Trenčín 2026: Our Cultural Baton Is Now in the Hands of the City
On the border of two countries, in the heart of Europe, an exceptional moment took place on 5 December 2025. In Nova Gorica, Slovenia, the Slovak city of Trenčín and the Finnish city of Oulu received the symbolic baton of the European Capital of Culture. The glass sculpture by Luxembourg artist Pascale Seil—representing strength, transparency, and cohesion—was passed into new hands, along with the responsibility and opportunity to shape the cultural year of 2026.
Connecting Cities, Cultures, and People
On the shared stage stood representatives of five cities: Nova Gorica, Chemnitz, Oulu, Trenčín, and the Italian Gorizia. Cultural bridges were being built not only metaphorically, but literally—at a place where culture becomes a common language regardless of borders. The ceremony also featured a light and music show, with Slovakia represented by DJ and producer Jureš Líška.
Trenčín 2026: Culture That Transforms the City
The title of European Capital of Culture is not only an honour—it is an invitation to transform the city from within. With a vision built on courage, respect, and collaboration with its residents, Trenčín is preparing for a cultural year that will leave a lasting mark.
“Receiving the title is a historic moment, but even more, it is an opportunity for transformation—of our city, our region, and the people who live here,” emphasized Patrik Žák, Deputy Mayor. As Stanislav Krajči, Director of Trenčín 2026, added, “the title is a catalyst for change”, and its power lies in engaging communities, schools, and public spaces in the cultural process.
An Opening That Awakens Curiosity
The first major cultural highlight awaits in mid-February 2026, when Trenčín turns into an open stage filled with music, theatre, literature, and shared encounters. The three-day opening weekend on 13–15 February invites everyone—residents and visitors, children and seniors, art lovers and curious observers.
Friday will belong to schools and communities, Saturday will bring public breakfast, a ceremonial parade, and a gala performance, and Sunday will offer a family-oriented programme featuring theatre, discussions, and poetry set to music.
Bridges Into the Future
Trenčín 2026 stands on the metaphor of bridges—connecting past and future, the local and the European, and people with the place they call home. Culture enters unconventional spaces, city streets come alive as new stages, and public space transforms into a meeting point for creation and community.
This project is not only about one year. It is about lasting change that will remain long after 2026. It is built on trust, cooperation, and shared imagination—and each of us can be part of it.
Be there as a new chapter of the city begins.
Come to Trenčín in 2026 and become part of a culture that transforms the world around us.
Trenčín 2026 is financially supported by the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region, and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The partner of Trenčín 2026 is the European Union.
