Norway’s Bodø Plans 1,000 Cultural Events In 2024
Bodø will be the first city within the Arctic Circle to ever hold the title of European Capital of … [+] Culture.
Ernst Furuhatt
As the dawn of 2024 approaches, the Norwegian Arctic city of Bodø is poised to step into the limelight as a European Capital of Culture.
This distinction marks a historic moment, as Bodø becomes the first city within the Arctic Circle to receive this prestigious title. It will also be just the third Norwegian city to hold the title following Bergen in 2000 and Stavanger in 2008.
One of three small cities across Europe to receive the designation for next year, Bodø is home to just 53,500 people. Nevertheless, the organizing committee of Bodø 2024 has revealed its ambitious program of more than 1,000 cultural events planned throughout the year in Bodø itself and the wider Nordland region.
A Focus On Northern Culture
The full Bodø 2024 program leans in hard to Arctic culture including a focus on Sámi lifestyle and the important relationship between the land and the ocean in this part of the world.
The coastal culture of Northern Norway will be under the spotlight in Bodø 2024.
Dan Mariner / Bodø2024
From the opening ceremony held on a floating stage in Bodø harbor, to the unique Sámi theatre trilogy set to shine a spotlight on humanity’s relationship with animals and the Sámi perspectives on climate change, Bodø 2024’s program is deeply interwoven with the region’s natural elements and indigenous heritage.
Major Festivals Year-Round
The festivities kick off with an opening ceremony on February 3 set against the picturesque backdrop of Bodø harbor. A floating stage will serve as the centerpiece for this spectacular event, which is expected to draw up to 20,000 visitors and will be broadcast live on Norwegian television.
An alternative opening concert will be held on the same day for young people between 13-20 years old.
As part of its aim to become the most sustainable European Capital of Culture ever, Bodø 2024 will present ‘Pure Music,’ a concert that promises to set new standards in environmental responsibility. Details of how this will be achieved are still under wraps, however.
In July, art enthusiasts can look forward to the Kjerringøy Land Art Biennale (KLAB), showcasing exceptional land art by leading Nordic and international artists.
Kjerringøy Land Art Biennale (KLAB) will form part of the program for Bodø’ year as European Capital … [+] of Culture.
Marie Peyre / Bodø2024
Despite the Arctic location, the organizers have spread the major events throughout the year. Given the region enjoys the midnight sun in the summer and the polar night in the winter, it’s apt that light is a recurring theme.
Events such as ‘Midsummer Mischief’ to celebrate Midsummer Night’s Eve, and ‘Nordland by Light,’ the region’s first ever light festival, are sure to draw the crowds. The latter is set to begin by turning out the lights across Nordland, inspired by the growing trend of dark sky tourism.
A Showcase Of Sámi Culture
A significant highlight of the program is the Sámi Trilogy, which brings Sámi theater and music to the forefront, with a focus on climate change. The first part of the trilogy features compositions by Frode Fjellheim, a Sámi musician best known for his contribution to the opening musical number of Frozen.
The presentation of the trilogy in early February is timely given the prominence the battle for Sámi rights has had in the Norwegian news this year.
The showcase of Sámi culture goes well beyond the theater, with a Sámi thread woven through much of the program.
Bådåddjo is the Sámi spelling of Bodø. Sami culture will be at the forefront of Bodø 2024.
Marie Peyre / Bodø2024
From April, Bodø city museum will be transformed into a Sámi Museum, while Árran 360° promises a showcase of indigenous storytelling combined with the latest digital technologies.
Promoting Arctic Culture
Bodø 2024 hopes to attract up to half a million people to Nordland, a vast, mostly rural, county in Northern Norway with a population of just 240,000.
Culinary festival Feeding Europe aims to promote Arctic cuisine, while events such as a tour along the 400-mile-long cultural trail Nordlandsruta and the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race will showcase the region’s imposing Arctic landscapes.
The program isn’t shying away from controversy, either. Not only will the issues of indigenous rights be put into the spotlight, an exhibition delving into the controversial figure of Nobel laureate Knut Hamsun has been announced.
Cultural Connections
The Via Querinissima project, which is seeking recognition as a Council of Europe Culture Route, is based on the historical voyage of 15th-century Venetian merchant Pietro Querini. In 1431, Querini’s ship was wrecked in a storm off France, and after weeks adrift, the surviving 11 of 68 crew members landed on an island near Røst.
They were warmly welcomed by the locals and spent over three months there, taking the tradition of stockfish back to Venice, a culinary link that persists to this day.
The Querini Opera, established in 2012 and having debuted internationally in Venice, will be presented during the year. Celebrated for its poignant portrayal of this historical narrative, the production involves significant volunteer effort from the remote island community of Røst.
These are just some of the highlights from the full program of Bodø 2024, which the organizers hope will be “the world’s longest party”, in terms of time and area covered. The county of Nordland stretches almost 500 miles from north to south.
There’s still time to get involved, both as a volunteer or even as a participant, with various open calls still available.
