
Nova Gorica – The annual Friendship March, themed “2 cities, 1 heart,” kicked off on May 1st in Nova Gorica and Gorizia as part of the March for Europe. This ten-day event celebrates culture, sports, and community, marking the second of four major activities for this year’s European Capital of Culture (EPC) 2025, encompassing Nova Gorica and Gorizia.
At the opening ceremony, the mayor of Nova Gorica, Samo Turel, and the representative from Gorizia, Silvana Romano, addressed the participants. Turel remarked that the march serves to rekindle the memory of when the national border separated the two cities at Europe Square.
Romano emphasized the mayors’ long-term commitment to fostering cross-border cooperation, stating that such events illustrate how peace can prevail even amidst conflict.
Organizers reported that between 3,000 and 3,500 individuals took part in the cross-border march, with attendees coming from Padua in Italy, Klagenfurt in Austria, Chemnitz in Germany, and even Belgium.
The Friendship March signifies the launch of the second of four key events for the EPC – the March for Europe.
Running until May 10th, the celebration will feature a variety of activities, including Borderless Basketball, Borderless Football, children’s creative workshops titled “Childhood Can,” a literary-dance event at the Ingeborg Bachmann dome featuring writer Maja Haderlap and dancer Leonie Humitsch, and the unveiling of the sound installation “Tree Orchestra” in Rafut Park.
Additionally, May 8th will celebrate the Day of Borderless Festivals, incorporating the Craft and Entrepreneurship Festival, Flavors Without Borders, the Rose Festival, the Amateur Culture Festival, and the announcement of the winner of the Entrepreneurial Wine 2025 competition. (May 1st)













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