Yesterday evening, the Hungarian city of Veszprém ushered in its year as European Capital of Culture with a multimedia spectacle under the slogan “Shine!” Folk dances, modern choreography, musical interludes and imaginative light installations reflect the history of the city in western Hungary and the lives of its 60,000 residents.
The sequence of scenes emphasized the central role of Gisela, daughter of the Bavarian duke, in the medieval Veszprem. As the wife of King Stephen and the founder of the Empire, she was the first Queen of Hungary. Veszprem chose it as their residence.
Formally, the city presents itself with the surrounding Lake Balaton region. Its location alone makes it attractive. It rises on five hills, between which a dam river meanders. The town center from the 18th and 19th centuries is well preserved. The focus of the Capital of Culture year is on music, gastronomy and landscapes.
Romanian Timisoara and Greek Eleusis will also be European Capitals of Culture in 2023. Veszprem led the openings round.
“Food practitioner. Bacon guru. Infuriatingly humble zombie enthusiast. Total student.”
More Stories
At least 95 dead in Spain: thousands of people trapped in cars, trains and shopping centres
Will Biden become a burden on Harris in the US election campaign?
Spain: More than 60 killed in the storms