From Station to Station: The Grand Opening of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025
The European Capital of Culture GO! 2025 officially launched with From Station to Station, the largest opening event of the ECOC programme. On 8 February 2025, Nova Gorica and Gorizia came alive with a dynamic, four-part celebration, culminating in a night of borderless entertainment across both cities.
The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) is one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural initiatives, fostering artistic expression, international collaboration and the promotion of cities and regions through culture. In 2025, Nova Gorica proudly holds this title, co-creating a unique cross-border programme with its Italian counterpart, Gorizia, under the inspiring slogan "GO! Borderless."
By celebrating cultural diversity, uniting artists and institutions across Europe, and engaging local communities, GO! 2025 strengthens Slovenia’s international visibility and enriches the region’s tourism sector through the power of art and creativity. More than a festival, it is a testament to the spirit of cooperation and reconciliation, positioning Nova Gorica and Gorizia as a model for a shared European future.
The day began at 10 a.m. with a spectacular procession at the Gorizia railway station. Over 700 performers weaved through Travnik Square (Piazza della Vittoria), crossing the historic border at the Customs House on Erjavčeva Street, and concluding at Bevkov trg Square in Nova Gorica. There, the mayors of both cities, Samo Turel and Rodolfo Ziberna, addressed the public before an official ceremony on Europe Square (Piazza Transalpina)—a symbolic space uniting Slovenia and Italy.
The event welcomed distinguished guests, including the President of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, and the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, alongside other high-ranking representatives from Slovenia, Italy, and the European Commission. The joint police orchestra of both nations performed their national anthems, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.
Evening Spectacle at Edvard Kardelj Square
At 6 p.m., the artistic highlight of GO! 2025 unfolded on Edvard Kardelj Square in Nova Gorica. Featuring a breathtaking multimedia performance, the event showcased the essence of the ECOC programme through music, visuals and live performances.
The spectacle began with an address from Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob, followed by a stirring musical journey led by multi-instrumentalist Boštjan Gombač and wind orchestras from Idrija and Cerkno.
The stage came alive with an extraordinary lineup of domestic and international artists: Lara Fortuna, Martin Mlakar, Francesco Borchi, Gaja Višnar, members of the Young Stage AMO (SNG Nova Gorica), students from the Nova Gorica Art High School, Berlin-based illustrator Cosimo Miorelli, the world-renowned Dunking Devils acrobatic group, the legendary Duo Silence, pianists Alexander Gadjiev and Giuseppe Guarrera, the MN Dance Company, along with dancers Branko Potočan, art collective BridA, internationally acclaimed Slovenian DJ Brina Knauss, local rock icon Bor Zuljan and the MRFY band, who will present a special song with the iconic Laibach.
The evening reached its pinnacle with a breathtaking performance by opera soloists Raiven, Laura Ulloa, Gregor Ravnik and Federico Lepre, accompanied by the Borderless Opera Choir under the direction of Elia Macrě and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Patrik Greblo. Their powerful rendition of Skupaj/Insieme served as the unifying thread of the day, encapsulating the spirit of togetherness that defines GO! 2025.
As the night unfolded, the energy continued to build with a blend of music and celebration. DJ Brina Knauss kept the momentum going on Edvard Kardelj Square, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. At 9 PM, Europe Square transformed into a vibrant dancefloor as legendary DJs DADDY G (Massive Attack) and Andy Smith (Portishead) took over, delivering electrifying beats. Meanwhile, for those craving live music, the celebration spilled into intimate venues, ensuring that the borderless spirit of the night lingered long after the final note.
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