Queen Margrethe Opens European Capital of Culture For 2017

At the Aarhus Concert Hall, Queen Margrethe II tonight has officially opened the European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017. The city was named one of two Capitals of Culture by the European Union for this year; the ECOC is designed to “highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe”.

The Queen set off a parade of illuminated lanterns in the shape of various ships from the Concert Hall through the streets of Aarhus to start the ECOC. Earlier, she had given a speech in which she said that “it is culture that binds us together as human beings, as people and as nations. The culture is to give future generations identity, community and provide the basis for a good life” but we must also “be open to inspiration from outside”. 

Over 300 cultural events will be held in the Aarhus region this year. Queen Margrethe is the patron of Aarhus 2017.

Queen Margrethe attend the opening ceremony of the "Aarhus as European Capital of Culture 2017" held at the Music House pic.twitter.com/2RnfMD4OiA

— vanina swchindt (@vaninaswchindt) January 22, 2017

Filed under Denmark
Tagged Culture, European Union, Margrethe II of Denmark, Patronage.