On February 15th, Trenčín concluded its three-day European Capital of Culture opening ceremony — a milestone moment that transformed this historic Slovak city into a vibrant stage for contemporary and folk art, performance, and community celebration. Against the dramatic backdrop of Trenčín Castle, centuries of history met bold artistic vision, as public squares filled with light installations, music, and thousands of visitors from across Europe. In this first episode of our two-part series, we explore that extraordinary weekend through the voices of the people who brought it to life. From the artists who shaped the creative vision to the organizers who turned years of planning into reality, from dedicated volunteers to guests experiencing the spectacle firsthand — we explore what this opening ceremony meant for the city and what it signals for the year ahead.