Artists such as Maria João Pires, Tiago Rodrigues, Mariza, the duo Meg Stuart and Francisco Camacho, Kim Gordon, Manuel Bouzas and Allison Orr are among the highlights of the programme for the Portuguese Capital of Culture, which officially begins on 25 January.
In 2025, Braga opens its doors to the world of art and culture, taking on the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture. The city celebrates national artistic creation in connection with Europe, engaging the community and local cultural agents in an unparalleled artistic mobilisation in its history.
The programme for Braga 25 – Portuguese Capital of Culture is the result of collaboration between Braga City Council and Faz Cultura – Braga’s Municipal Cultural Company. Many of the 18 projects around which the event programme is structured stem from the bid for European Capital of Culture 2027, complemented by an enhanced programme from the city’s main cultural venues, Theatro Circo and gnration, as well as the various initiatives promoted and supported by Braga City Council throughout the year.
The strand dedicated to national artistic creation within the 2025 programme includes premieres by artists in the city such as pianist Maria João Pires, unique performances such as that of fado singer Mariza, festivals that connect the cultural quadrilateral (Braga, Barcelos, Guimarães and Vila Nova de Famalicão), such as Square and Extremo, and new works by leading figures in Portuguese culture such as theatre directors Tiago Rodrigues and Marco Martins.
Paulo Mendes curates Somos Todos Capitães – 50 Years in Freedom, a major transdisciplinary exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Revolution of 25 April 1974. The National Ballet Company and the Algarve Orchestra are also part of the programme.
In the field of international artistic creation, Braga 25 invites a range of artists and creators to intervene in urban spaces across the city, including Spanish architect Manuel Bouzas (curator of Spain’s representation at the upcoming Venice Architecture Biennale), as well as the national premiere of a performance by the collective Bang on a Can All-Stars. There is also room for collaborations between national and international artists in cinema and music, such as Daniel Blaufuks and Matthew Herbert, and in dance with the duo Francisco Camacho and Meg Stuart, as well as an anthological exhibition of Kim Gordon.
Finally, the Portuguese Capital of Culture is grounded in community-based projects, fostering interaction between international, local and national artists, forming the backbone of a programme rich in collaborations. These include projects that bridge the region’s musical heritage with contemporary practice, bringing together the Grupo de Cantares de Mulheres do Minho and the Calouste Gulbenkian Music Conservatory of Braga; literary creation involving writer Ondjaki and young members of the community; a collaboration between an international choreographer and a collective of municipal workers – in this case, Allison Orr and Agere’s waste collection workers; and a commission awarded to Filipa Francisco, who will work with folk groups from Braga.