Tartu 2024 visited the Kaunas 2022 opening ceremony
Last week, the Tartu 2024 team took part in the opening ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Kaunas 2022. The Southern Estonian delegation observed the behind the scenes action of the major event that lasted for several days throughout Kaunas and the surrounding region and gathered valuable information to use in two years when Tartu and Southern Estonia will kick off our title year.
Photo: Kaunas 2022
"The opening ceremony of Kaunas 2022 was a powerful production, culminating in a 45 minute long spectacle unfolding in front of 40 000 thousand spectators," said Annela Laaneots, the Tartu 2024 Regional Coordinator. “The story of their city was projected on the exterior of Kaunas Žalgiris Arena and an idea of what to expect in Kaunas during their title year was given to the audience.”
“Every Tartu 2024 team member observed areas relating to their work, monitored how the Lithuanians solved issues and learned from their experience,” explained the Regional Coordinator. “Together with Producer Heigo Teder, we participated at one of their regional opening ceremonies in the Kaunas district that preceded the main event. We enjoyed a great show, which reflected several elements from the main ceremony. Star drummers performed exciting compositions with local choir singers and everything culminated in a fire dance show. ”
According to Annela Laaneots, the Tartu 2024 delegation was also impressed by the city space of Kaunas. "The installations, lighting solutions, pop-up performances and concerts created for the opening night together formed a real city-wide party," Laaneots described. "I definitely recommend all South Estonians to visit Kaunas this year and enjoy the powerful cultural program there."
