Oulu, a city in northern Finland, has officially launched its year as European Capital of Culture 2026 with a major Opening Festival held from 16 to 18 January, transforming the Finnish city into a widespread cultural stage. Representatives of GO! 2025, European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica–Gorizia 2025, also took part in the opening event, highlighting the symbolic handover between European Capitals of Culture.

Over the course of the three days, the festival featured around 200 events across the city centre, attracting more than 250,000 visits and engaging an international audience. The strong public turnout marked the official start of a year dedicated to culture, creativity and European cooperation.

The Opening Festival offered a preview of the spirit and values of Oulu2026: a celebration of culture as a tool for dialogue, inclusion and connection, even in the northernmost parts of Europe.