The opening programme of the Portuguese Capital of Culture lasts all day on January 25, culminating in a big show on Avenida Central
Actress Margarida Vila-Nova will be the cicerone of a multidisciplinary show featuring local institutions such as the Bomfim Choir, the percussion groups Bomboémia, Equipa Espiral and Batalá Braga, members of various folk groups from Braga and a breakdance collective. A drone show will round off the evening.
Braga officially assumes the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture 2025 on 25 January, with an opening programme that extends throughout the day, anticipating the diversity of artistic proposals that will be presented throughout the year. The opening day of Braga 25 culminates with a major multidisciplinary show on Avenida Central (21h00).
Actress Margarida Vila-Nova will be the cicerone of ‘Open Your Door’, the motto chosen for Braga 25. Curated by John Romão, the show brings together Braga’s institutions and collectives with some of the country’s leading artists.
Mariza, today’s most international fado singer, will be one of the voices tonight, performing not only songs from her repertoire but also songs specially prepared for Braga 25.
Also on stage will be iolanda, winner of the last edition of the Festival da Canção, and Dino d’Santiago, a key artist in new national music, who will have a special appearance at the opening show of the Portuguese Capital of Culture.
‘Abre a tua Porta’ combines music, words and dance, with the participation of members of Braga’s various folklore groups and a breakdance collective, directed by choreographers Filipa Francisco and Deeogo Oliveira. Visual artist Maria Imaginário will be creating the scenery for the show.
The participation of the people of Braga in this show also extends to percussion, with members of the groups Bomboémia, Equipa Espiral and Batalá Braga, as well as the Bomfim Choir.
At the end of the show, Braga’s skies will be lit up with a spectacle that combines technology, art and history and affirms the city’s role as a centre of invocation. A drone show with voice-over and a traditionally inspired soundtrack with the participation of the artist Daniel Pereira Cristo, who invites the public to embark on a unique journey to mark the opening of Braga as the Portuguese Capital of Culture.
The full programme for the opening of Braga 25, as well as for the first quarter of the Portuguese Capital of Culture, will be presented on 13 January at a public session at Theatro Circo (17:00).