The world's longest party
February 2024 marks the start of a year filled with hundreds of cultural events in Bodø, which has the honour of being the European Capital of Culture.
In autumn 2019, it became clear that Bodø would become the European Capital of Culture in 2024. Bodø thus becomes Norway's third European Capital of Culture and the first city north of the Arctic Circle. Bodø municipality is working purposefully with the UN's sustainability goals "sustainable cities and communities" as it prepares to be European Capital of Culture in 2024. More than 500,000 spectators are targeted during the project year, which is referred to as the world's longest party in terms of both time and space. After all, the stretch of road through Nordland county from Bindal in the south to Andøya in the north is 800 kilometres – and the party will actually last a whole year.
Bodø2024’s program has split the year into five seasons: Here comes the sun, Spring optimism, Midsummer madness, Autumn storms and Arctic light. Bodø2024 should have something for everyone. There will be dance, music, art exhibitions, outdoor activities, sports and much more. The cultural initiative will contribute to making the city of Bodø and Nordland County a more attractive arena for creating something together. The then mayor of Bodø once stated that bringing people together is crucial for the city's appeal, and for making things happen. Through culture, we can generate debates, raise questions and, not least, give people something to live for. Culture binds people's lives together. Sometimes through experiences such as concerts, art or sporting events, other times because you take part in this work yourself.
