Latest news with #EuropeanCapitalsofCulture
Kuwait Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
NCCAL chief underlines Kuwait-EU cultural ties
KUWAIT: Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar on Monday underscored the importance of cultural cooperation between Kuwait and the European Union, describing it as a cornerstone for strengthening bilateral ties across diverse sectors. Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the EU-Kuwait Culture Forum, Al-Jassar praised the 'fruitful and excellent' cultural relations between the two sides. The forum, held for the first time, was organized by the EU Delegation to Kuwait under the patronage of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, in celebration of Kuwait's designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. Al-Jassar noted the continued presence of EU archaeological teams working in Kuwait as a prime example of effective cooperation, emphasizing their contributions to unearthing and preserving the country's rich heritage. Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar with Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to Kuwait. – KUNA photos EU-Kuwait Culture Forum. Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to Kuwait He also highlighted the growing number of Kuwaiti students pursuing higher education in European countries, acquiring valuable expertise to support national development efforts. In addition, Al-Jassar pointed to successful architectural collaborations, including landmark projects in Kuwait designed by European architects, as further evidence of the strength of cultural ties. 'This forum reflects Kuwait's commitment to reinforcing cultural exchange with nations around the world, particularly the European Union,' he said. EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen lauded Kuwait's cultural and civilizational legacy, describing it as a 'valuable traditional treasure.' She emphasized the depth of cooperation in various fields such as architecture, the arts, and human sciences, as well as shared museum initiatives between Kuwait and the EU. Koistinen praised the forum as a tangible demonstration of deep-rooted and expanding cultural collaboration, noting that Kuwait and the EU are set to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations in early 2026. Prominent figures from both sides participated in the forum, engaging in dialogue on preserving cultural heritage and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Discussions included initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture, best practices in heritage conservation, cultural innovation, the role of museums, and community engagement in cultural activities. The event also served as a platform to explore strategies to elevate EU-Kuwait cultural relations to a more strategic level, aligning with both sides' aspirations to foster long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared cultural values. — KUNA
The Independent
02-03-2025
- The Independent
Simon Calder's five off-the-radar European cities to visit this spring
Who wants to be an 'overtourist'? Not you. Fortunately, for every just-too-popular Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice there are a hundred other attractive European cities that are desperate to share their charms – not least because they understand that inbound tourism is the closest that any location can get to free money. Choosing a less-celebrated destination is a shrewd move: you can expect lower prices, thinner crowds and a warmer welcome. On the journeys I have made in the past two years, these are the star 'off-the-radar' cities. Aarhus, Denmark While the UK decided it wanted nothing to do with European Capitals of Culture, in my experience, the EU honour of a year in the spotlight brings permanent improvements to a city. Aarhus is the second city of Denmark, and has the requisite cobbled lanes with pretty cottages, where spring flowers will soon be blooming. Yet it also has an outstanding art museum in the remarkable cubes-and-circles shape of ARoS. The collection includes some works from the 18th century, but also goes for big, challenging installations of the kind that make lasting memories. This being Denmark, gastronomy is superb, with outdoor seating beside the Aarhus River that winds through the city. Even the airport is a treat. If Ikea did aviation, this is how the experience might feel. Béziers, France The Mediterranean shore curves around a full 90 degrees between the celebrated French cities of Montpellier and Perpignan. Béziers is not yet on the same status. That will surely change soon as travellers realise the abundance of appeal in this hilltop city. The main attraction is the magnificent cathedral, which unusually includes a tower that you can climb without paying a fee. Adjacent is the new and marvellous Hotel de la Prison, the local jail reimagined as a boutique hotel, where I stayed for a ridiculously inexpensive €100 (£82) a night (as its reputation has grown, so have the rates). Commanding your attention from the hotel: the nine locks of Fonseranes, a short walk from town. The Canal du Midi is hauled high above sea level by these engineering marvels. Adjacent, you can see the relics of a failed 20th-century attempt to accelerate the progress of ships to higher altitude using a 'water slope'. Nearby attractions to fill out a short break include Gruissan – a fishing village with an amazing pink salt lagoon – and the equally underrated city of Narbonne. Erfurt, Germany Unlike, sadly, many British travellers, I relish discovering German cities. I will embark on just such a journey this week. I can already conjure visions of Heilbronn and Magdeburg: lanes leading to a sturdy central square dominated by a cathedral and flanked by taverns serving hearty dishes and good, strong beer. But I will also pay a return visit to Erfurt, capital of the state of Thuringia, and a singularly fine city. The rumble of the endearingly antiquated tram network; the brutal beauty of St Mary's Cathedral; the elegant two-track Gera river, and the handsome bridges that cross it. And a development since last I visited: the newly Unesco-listed Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt, comprising the Old Synagogue, the Mikveh and the Stone House. However dark the politics of Europe may become, the continent's deep culture prevails. Lodz, Poland Please practice the pronunciation of the Polish city's name ahead of your visit: 'Woodge' should do it. Now you are all set. Lodz was once at the heart of industrial Europe. It still possesses a stupendously long main street, flanked with impressive buildings. One of these is the superbly refurbished Grand Hotel, the best place I stayed in 2024. As Poland is the land of luxury for less, a chic double is on offer for around £130, including a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the former ballroom. The many attractions include Manufaktura, a former factory reinvented as a leisure destination with some outstanding restaurants. Even the Starbucks is spectacular. The tourist office provides maps for rewarding self-guided walks around the city. Beyond the centre, the Jewish cemetery is poignant and beautiful. Next time, I will be sure to make space for the Herbst Palace Museum, a glittering mansion. Reggio di Calabria, Italy Some places demand attention for a single prize. In mainland Italy's southernmost city, the big draw comprises a couple of men. The Riace Bronzes are known prosaically as A and B, but they are simply the most powerful figures from the past I have ever seen. The two life-size sculptures of naked males were created by the Greeks 2,500 years ago and found in the sea bed by a passing fisherman in 1972. Today they inhabit a climate-controlled chamber in the National Archaeological Museum in Reggio di Calabria, the nearest big city to the location where they were discovered. You must spend three minutes in a dehumidifying airlock before joining their company. RC, as it is customarily contracted, possesses another long main street that runs parallel to the shore. Just inland, you can get some impressive views from the hillside – including, on a clear day, of a snow-draped Mount Etna across on the island of Sicily. No need, though, to take one of the many ferries shuttling across the Strait of Messina; the mainland has much appeal. Just 20 minutes north, the town of Scilla is scattered across a massive thumb of rock soaring above the Mediterranean, while an hour further along the coast Tropea is a distillation of the best of Italy's waterside towns.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
European Capitals of Culture Gorizia, Nova Gorica hold opening parade
The cities of Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy have celebrated the official start of their year as European Capitals of Culture with a cross-border parade. The colourful parade started on Saturday morning on the Italian side in front of Gorizia's railway station and will arrive on the Slovenian side. The cross-border urban area is the first to be jointly honoured as European Capitals of Culture. The eastern German city of Chemnitz is also holding the title in 2025. The opening ceremony includes an all-day programme with more than 2,000 participants, as well as music, dance and performances. The cross-border parade is intended to express the strong and close connection between the two cities, despite wars and border demarcations throughout history. More than 400 events on the topics of war and peace, reconstruction, the economics of cross-border smuggling and green sustainability are planned in the twin cities this year. The extensive programme includes concerts, exhibitions, festivals and theatre performances as well as culinary events and guided tours throughout the region.
