The opening ceremony took place on 25 January at the Theatro Circo and was attended by the Minister for Culture, Dalila Rodrigues, and other prominent local and national figures.

The session began with a performance by Geração B25+, a group of young people who have served as an advisory body to the Braga 25 project since the European Capital of Culture bid phase, and concluded with the premiere of Quimera, a show bringing together director John Romão, choreographers Filipa Francisco and Deeogo Oliveira, poet Regina Guimarães and pianist José Diogo Martins.

The Braga 25 Opening Programme ran throughout the day, highlighting the diversity of the Portuguese Capital of Culture’s offerings.

The celebrations culminated in a major multidisciplinary show on Avenida Central, bringing together institutions and collectives from Braga with some of the country’s leading artists.