Opening of the Cultura Nova Festival 2026

Especially for Heerlen and to mark the 35th edition of Cultura Nova, Plasticiens Volants are presenting a unique on-site performance.

During the 35th edition of Cultura Nova, several interesting storylines from the history of South Limburg will converge. Exactly 50 years ago, the two iconic chimneys of the mining industry, ‘Lange Jan’ and ‘Lange Lies’, were demolished in Heerlen. Exactly 50 years ago, Maastricht University opened in Maastricht; this year, it is launching a new degree programme in Heerlen. Together with the residents of our region, we are also building a symbolic bridge between Heerlen-Noord and Heerlen-Zuid, and we are keen to look to the future – to what makes our region so special.

On 28 August, four colourful and festive parades will set off from different directions towards the Maankwartier. Each parade will be led and protected by its own totem animal, brought to life by the ‘Plasticiens Volants’. The giant tortoise Adnoa, who carries the world on her back; the dragon Hippo-guanodon, a strange creature that is half animal, half plant; and the giant lizard Ouarane. These totems are adorned with patterns designed and painted by residents of both Heerlen-Noord and Heerlen-Zuid. From the rear of Theater Heerlen, Saurien (‘formerly known as’ Godzilla), Cultura Nova’s iconic creature, sets off and joins them.

As night falls, all the figures gather. In a mysterious atmosphere, a large spiral mound of dust slowly rises at the central point. From it emerges a child named YUNI. Born out of the unity of the city’s districts, out of the energy of the people coming together, YUNI embodies the connection: between north and south, east and west, between past and future, between memory and change. YUNI is the character who brings all these energies together. Through her movements, she restores colour to the world and transforms the space around her – from the chimneys, symbols of Heerlen’s industrial history, to the moon appearing above the city. Little by little, everything is illuminated and filled with colour.

Everyone is warmly welcome to join in at one of the starting points. And bring some colour to the event by dressing in the colour of the route you’re taking part in. The opening performance will be broadcast live and streamed by L1TV.