Authentic folklore, lively humor, and a puppet fairy tale

For two days, Bar Ihku in the heart of Oulu was transformed into a vibrant Slovak stage – an unconventional venue brought to life by Trenčín’s colorful program. Here, artists from Trenčín performed, giving audiences a first-hand look at the rich diversity of the region’s cultural traditions. The Nadšenci ensemble (The Enthusiasts) brought the spirited energy of Slovak folklore to the venue through dance and music rooted in the authentic traditions of the Trenčín region. Infused with subtle touches of experimentation and humor, their performances quickly captivated the audience. Mime artist and performer Pavol Seriš, renowned for his distinctive style, entertained visitors with a mix of physical theatre, pantomime, and stand-up comedy. His one-man show, rich in improvisation, was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The puppet show Čert Kolofón drew families with children, delighting audiences of all ages. The story of a young devil sent to Earth for disobedient children combined humor, adventure, and a hint of romance, brought to life through a meticulously crafted puppet performance.

"Cooperation between cities that hold the title of European Capital of Culture is more than a formality – it is a living process of exchanging experiences, inspiration, and above all, people. The exchange of artists, joint projects, and Trenčín's participation in Oulu are examples of how culture can unite Europe on a personal level," said Martin Mojžiš, Trenčín 2026 Manager for the European Dimension and International Relations project.

A glass of friendship: Trenčín brings its flavours to oulu

One of the highlights of Trenčín’s presentation was Mocktail Trenčín 2026 – a non-alcoholic cocktail crafted from an original recipe that brought the flavors of the city to Oulu. Inspired by memories of Trenčín and a unique non-alcoholic gin made from a healing spring in the region, the drink has also captivated visitors as far away as Osaka, Japan.

Trenčín invites Europe to its opening weekend

Following its success in Oulu, Trenčín is preparing its own opening weekend from February 13–15, 2026, during which the entire city will be transformed into one large stage.

The program will kick off on Friday February 13, with activities primarily aimed at students of all age, taking place in schools, cultural institutions, and public spaces. In the afternoon, events organized by local communities and the hundreds of volunteers at the heart of the Trenčín 2026 project will follow.

Saturday February 14 will see the city come alive from morning to night with street breakfasts, festive parades, and an evening gala performance. Sunday February 15 will be dedicated mainly to families, children, and seniors, featuring theatre performances, music, literary events, discussions, and poetry set to music.

Trenčín and its surroundings: a region full of discovery

Trenčín is a medium-sized Slovak city with approximately 55,000 inhabitants, located in the west of the country near the border with the Czech Republic. It is known for its castle, a second-century Roman inscription carved into the rock massif on which the castle stands, and a rich cultural and musical heritage – from underground to contemporary art.

The Trenčín Region is attractive to tourists mainly thanks to its numerous castles, spas, and natural beauty. The Trenčín 2026 project connects this history with current challenges and, through culture, opens a discussion about sustainability, equality, and cooperation throughout the region.

The title of European Capital of Culture brings Trenčín not only prestige, but also a unique opportunity to rediscover itself and show Europe how it is possible to arouse curiosity in people and thus inspire them to look at the world around us from a different perspective.

The Trenčín 2026 project is financially supported by the city of Trenčín, the Trenčín Region, and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The European Union is a partner in the project.