On Saturday, the European Capital of Culture year opened in Bodø and Nordland with a grand ceremony in the city's harbor.

Around 20,000 people gathered for the official opening ceremony, which took place on a stage shaped like an otolith, a stone found in the ear of the cod, revealing how old it is, how well it has eaten, how quickly it has grown, and what environment it has lived in.

Throughout the year, the region will host over a thousand events with a great range – music, dance, theater, art, revues, food, literature, outdoor activities, and sports.

Read more about the plans for the rest of the Capital of Culture year here.