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Debrecen’s cultural year in 2025 kicks off in a diverse way. The programme offers exciting experiences and various events at different venues for those who want to spend their free time in a meaningful way.
In January and February, there is music almost every day, whether classical or popular. But a special treat will be, for example, the Junior World Figure Skating and Ice Dancing Championships, where sport meets dance. István Puskás talked about all this on Debrecen Television’s Evening Close-up programme.
The Deputy Mayor recalled that the Day of Hungarian Culture is traditionally the opening day of the year in Debrecen’s cultural calendar. However, it was not possible to squeeze everything into the vicinity of the day, so on Thursday the programmes running until the 22nd of January will start with an exhibition of illustrations based on Magda Szabó’s novel Abigél.
Debrecen has also joined the nationwide “Voice capture” programme, which aims to encourage young people to pick up an instrument.
The Kölcsey Centre will host the “Musical Instrument into Hands ” event promoting popular music, which the organisers are putting on together with the Debrecen-based Rocksuli.
This is in line with the city’s ambition to nurture young people’s talent in popular music. The scholarship programme, the “Music Box” initiative and the Made in Debrecen Day are all aimed at this in a unique way in the country.
But those interested in classical music will also feel at home in the cívis city. István Puskás pointed out that the Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra, for example, is also an important “export item” for Debrecen, with a continuous presence from Budapest to Oradea.
In this spring’s programme, the event organiser Főnix is preparing to bring back the old colourfulness to the Downtown Community Centre. Families will be welcomed already in February, but the Spring Festival programme is also already in place.
The Kölcsey Centre will once again be a lively and vibrant place to be until the summer outdoor festival season, with something for everyone.
The Day of Hungarian Culture will be greeted by a special local production, the gala performance of the Debrecen Folk Ensemble, which is 75 years old this year. István Puskás said that the performance, which combines contemporary visual elements with folk dance, will offer a special experience. The ensemble will celebrate its birthday throughout the year with guest artists and a series of events showcasing the dance culture of the Carpathian Basin. But the city’s dancers from other genres will also be present throughout the year.
István Puskás also said that this year they will try to make life in the city centre even more colourful with street music and exhibitions, for example, alongside the big events.
As for the “big package” of flagship events, the Poetry Festival will be held in parallel with the Spring Festival. The aforementioned Made in Debrecen Festival will return, and the programme for the Book Week has been finalised, within the framework of which Debrecen will also have a Hungarian guest of honour across the border. But of course, the big summer events such as the Gourmet Festival, the Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days and the Flower Carnival are also waiting for their guests.
The Deputy Mayor also revealed that March will bring exhibitions and guest bands from Brno.
István Puskás emphasised that the cultural offer will be made more accessible to foreigners visiting or living in the city. For example, performances of the Csokonai Theatre can be seen with English subtitles. But there are also treats for the so-called “layer culture” lovers, as the first Debrecen techno day will be organised on the 7th of February in cooperation with the Goethe Institute, with a conference, workshop and a star techno DJ from Germany.
Source and photo credit:dehir.hu
