Bodo 2024

This article is continued from the March/April 2024 issue of Viking. 

After being named a 2024 European Capital of Culture, the town in Northern Norway will host over 1,000 cultural events this year 

By Macy Harder 

With state-of-the-art concert venues, a flourishing culinary scene, vibrant street art and a deep connection to Sámi culture, it’s no surprise that the Norwegian town of Bodø was named a 2024 European Capital of Culture by the European Union (EU). Launched in 1985, this annual EU initiative was designed to be a year-long celebration of Europe’s diverse cultural features. Bad Ischl, Austria and Tartu, Estonia were also named to this year’s list. 

Bodø is the third Norwegian city to earn this title—following Bergen in 2000 and Stavanger in 2008—but it’s the first-ever European Capital of Culture located north of the Arctic Circle. Such an achievement calls for a massive celebration, and the organizing committee for Bodø 2024 has planned exactly that. Its year-long program includes over 1,000 cultural events throughout Bodø and the larger Nordland region, with a focus on Arctic culture and the Sámi lifestyle. 

Using Nordland’s changing seasons as a backdrop, the program is divided into five themes that reflect the Arctic year. It opens with “Here Comes the Sun,” followed by “Spring Optimism,” “Midsummer Madness” and “Autumn Storms,” before concluding with “Arctic Light.” The program promises light festivals, museum and art exhibitions, live music, bonfires and Nordic culinary celebrations. 

The celebration kicked off Feb. 3 with a spectacular opening ceremony in Bodø harbor. Much of the production, created and produced by Berlin-based company Phase7 in collaboration with Nordland Theater, took place on a floating stage modeled after the small ear stones found in cod. As the High Patron of Bodø 2024, Norway’s own Queen Sonja was present for the official opening. Afterward, the city of Bodø will keep the party going with a “European cultural night,” featuring gallery openings, concerts, a Sámi market and other activities.  

An important element of this year’s program is highlighting the Sámi community and their ties to the Nordland region. The Sámi Trilogy, which premiered in early February, showcased Sámi music, theater and perspectives on climate change, featuring compositions by Sámi musician Frode Fjellheim, who contributed to the opening musical number of Disney’s “Frozen.” Norwegian Sámi singer Mari Boine had a lead role in the production.

While specific details are still largely under wraps, here’s what we know about the rest of Bodø 2024. 

Pure Music
As part of Bodø’s efforts to be the most sustainable European Capital of Culture, this March music festival aims to be the world’s most sustainable concert.  

Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race
This 26-mile ski marathon on March 9 will start and finish in the heart of Bodø. Surrounded by both mountains and sea, the course will highlight Northern Norway’s diverse natural landscape. A large celebration is planned for the finish line, featuring music, food, cultural performances and the largest traditional Sámi tent in the world. 

Midsummer Mischief
In a grand celebration of Midsummer, the Midsummer Mischief event will offer music, theater, visual effects, food and other activities. The outdoor, family-friendly event on June 22 is expected to be one of the largest on the Bodø 2024 calendar, with the hopes of attracting over 5,000 people. The event’s musical director and composer will be 29-year-old Gøril Nilsen, who Bodø 2024 program director Henrik Sand Dagfinrud called “one of the most exciting composers and producers in Northern Norway.” 

Nordland by Light
Nordland’s first light festival is set to open in November 2024. Inspired by the growing trend of dark sky tourism, the festival will begin by turning off the lights across Nordland. This will provide a unique opportunity to heighten the senses in the absence of sunlight and artificial light sources. The rest of the event will consist of light installations, performances, walks and more.