Buzz
In 2013, Marseille, France, and Kosice, Slovakia were chosen by the EU as the European Cultural Capitals; aiming to celebrate cultural values and share their cultural beauty with friends across the continent and the world.
Exploring the Enigmatic Land of Thần Nông Giá > Unveiling Ancient Roman Ruins in Libya > Wanderlust to the Paradise Island of Boracay
The concept of “European Cultural Capital” was born in 1985 through the initiative of the Council of Ministers of the European Union. Each year, one to two cities (sometimes more) are designated as European Cultural Capitals, organizing a comprehensive program of art to honor cultural values and showcase their cultural beauty to friends across the continent and the world. Official cultural programs will commence on January 12th in Marseille and January 19th in Kosice.
The city of Marseille, France. Photo by Sue Cloutier
Marseille, the ancient city on the shores of the Mediterranean
Marseille is the oldest city in France, yet it exudes the vibrant atmosphere of a coastal city on the shores of the Mediterranean. It's a popular choice for travelers on European journeys.
For beauty enthusiasts, the renowned Marseille soap is a household name, made 100% from olive oil and palm oil, crafted manually using a technique passed down from the 17th century to today. However, visiting Marseille this year, tourists can also participate in numerous cultural events held throughout 2013 under the theme Marseille-European Cultural Capital.
The city of Marseille. Photo by Sue Cloutier
The launch of the Marseille-Provence 2013 program is set for January 12-13. All 97 municipalities of the Marseille Provence region will simultaneously celebrate with over 500 cultural events and more than 100 art exhibitions. On January 12th, there will be grand contemporary art performances, highlighted by the Transhumance parade of numerous animals across the territory, alongside the “Madness of Street Art” program and the inauguration of several new cultural centers, including the European and Mediterranean Civilization National Museum (MuCEM).
Following this will be a series of exhibitions, concerts, artistic performances, painting, photography, and dance. Marseille will also dedicate a significant portion to Lebanese culture. Renowned Lebanese artists and painters will participate in exhibitions lasting several months. Solo and group dance performances, as well as Lebanese student participation in various exciting camp activities, will also be featured.
Highlights include the opening ceremony in Marseille with the presence of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, contemporary art exhibitions in Aix-en-Provence, treasure hunts in Marseille-Provence, and fireworks festivals in Arles.
Tourists visiting Marseille early this year can witness the city's efforts to promote its image as the European Cultural Capital. Hotels in Marseille are ready to welcome festival-goers. Many public areas have displayed sculptures, statues, and posters. New basic amenities have been placed in the city center and surrounding areas, providing tourists with accommodations and transportation. Especially in the neighborhoods of Euroméditerranée, at Panorama Tower, an exhibition by 40 international artists offers a range of contemporary art pieces.
On the “Contemporary Art Street of Aix en Provence”, dozens of activities by modern international artists have created a spectacular urban landscape. The Eden Theatre reopens, the oldest cinema in France, etc…
The culturally diverse city of Kosice
Kosice - the second largest city in Slovakia. Photo by imredubai
Visiting Kosice in 2013, tourists not only get to explore a charming city with profound ancient landmarks, captivating history, and numerous attractions like caves, natural parks, castles, long-standing universities, ancient churches, military camps dating back to the late 19th century… but also participate in a series of cultural programs throughout the year. It is known that the total investment for Kosice to prepare for the role of a European Cultural Capital is 75 million USD, with 60 million USD coming from the EU.
The ancient city of Kosice. Photo by imredubai
Kosice is located in the east of Slovakia, on the border between Eastern Europe and the EU, in the crossroads area of Hungary, Poland, Ukraine… hence, “Kosice 2013 - European Cultural Capital” will first bring images with the theme of intersection between ancient East-West routes.
The festival program kicks off on January 19-20 at various locations in the city, followed by a series of cultural events bustling across Kosice throughout 2013 through performances, presentations, rich and diverse exhibitions.
Travel Gazette
Posted by: Thuy Le
Keywords: European Cultural Capitals 2013: Marseille and Kosice
