Taste the European capital of culture 2012, Maribor

Maribor, the second largest town in Slovenia and a proper post-industrial giant, is focusing its development potentials on major projects in the coming years. One of the biggest challenges is the title of European Capital of Culture 2012.

Maribor`s rebirth reflects a successful 20 year period of Slovenian independence, during which the country`s society underwent a transformation. The pillar and central identity pattern of this transformation was, as always, culture. “In 2012, Maribor must become a city of opportunities and great intellectual forces, concentrated and aimed at tomorrow; not only a platform for the present, or an analysis of or reckoning with the past, but rather an oracle that directs the flow of history with its prophecies,” noted in his programme vision Tomaž Pandur, who is the President of the Programme Council and one of the project`s main ambassadors and supporters.

The partner towns Murska Sobota, Novo Mesto, Ptuj, Velenje and Slovenj Gradec are also involved in the European Capital of Culture Maribor 2012 project, since Slovenia has recognised the project as an outstanding development perspective for the entire region. Every participating town contributes its very special character to the project: Velenje will centre on its industrial heritage; Ptuj is rich with archaeological finds from classical antiquity and ethnological sights, and it is also home to the Kurentovanje Carnival; Novo Mesto is famed for its avant-garde theatre and bucket-shaped vessels from the Hallstatt period known as situlas; Murska Sobota`s central focus is on rural culture; and Slovenj Gradec stands out as a World Peace City.

The project`s programme is divided into four thematic strands, which aim to achieve different objectives within the greater goal of completely reanimating the town: from establishing a high level of art production to reviving the centre of town and its fringes. These are: “City Keys”, “Urban Ruts”, “Terminal 12”, and “Life by the Touch of a Button”. They will provide for numerous exhibitions, film shows, concerts, plays, literature events, a children’s cultural festival, and theatre performances. The lively opening weekend is set for January 13th to 15th 2012. The annual festival of “Lent” and the Creative Festival of serious music Festival Maribor are also parts of the official agenda.

Maribor offers everything you need for a pleasant stay and it never fails to surprise and fascinate lovers of good food and wine. The nearby Pohorje Hills provide ample opportunity for getting in touch with nature. Maribor is also always open to establishing new ties and permanently looking to broaden its offer through regional cooperation – indeed, its involvement in the European Capital of Culture is excellent proof of this fact.

For more information on Maribor, the European Capital of Culture, please visit the official site of the European Capital of Culture 2012.

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