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.
