Events in May

Two Cities, One Heart – The 2025 Borderless Friendship March From 1 to 10 May, Nova Gorica and Gorizia will beat with one rhythm as they host the March for Europe – the second of four flagship events of the European Capital of Culture 2025. If, like us, the spectacular opening ceremony on 8 February is still vivid in your memory, then we warmly invite you back to our shared city to make new ones – just as unforgettable.

Now in its third year, the Friendship March symbolically unites Nova Gorica and Gorizia, continuing the tradition of the iconic cross-border marches of the 1970s and ’80s, when, for a day, the border became invisible – no longer a line of separation, but a bridge. Registration for the May Day march is now open, and the day will end in celebration with a live set from Klangkarussell (AT) and music flowing freely from both sides of the frontier.

That’s just the beginning of a vibrant ten-day programme blending culture and sport, which you can check on our www.go-borderless.eu website. Here are a few highlights: on 6 May, under the Ingeborg Bachmann Dome, enjoy an evocative dance and literary performance by dancer Leonie Humitsch and writer Maja Haderlap. On 7 May, in the lush surroundings of Rafut Park, immerse yourself in a unique sound installation created especially for the ECoC year in collaboration with the Dresdner Sinfoniker. On 8 May, the Day of Borderless Festivals takes over Europe Square with culinary treats, music, and the lively presence of local cultural and sports organisations. On 9 May, Europe Day will be marked by the premiere of Ne pozabi me ("Don’t Forget Me", 2025), a documentary by Anja Medved commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. On 10 May, the festivities conclude with Inferno – a cutting-edge robotic performance where exoskeletons animate the dancers of the MN Dance Company in a powerful fusion of movement and machine. To explore the full ten-day line-up, visit www.go-borderless.eu. 

You can access our latest monthly newsletter, published on 24 April, here. Published every last Thursday of the month, the newsletter contains all events from the official and accompanying programme of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia for the upcoming month, as well as the latest news – everything you need to know in one place.

You can also subscribe to the monthly newsletter (and receive it directly by email) by following this link.