Nova Gorica – The inaugural event for this year’s cross-border European Capital of Culture (ECOC) kicked off in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, on Saturday, coinciding with the Slovenian cultural holiday. The celebration, which unites the cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia in Italy, featured artistic performances inspired by the 1990 Eurovision winner “Insieme (Together)” by Toto Cutugno and highlighted the Soča River, a site of significant World War I battles, with a message of peace.
In his evening address, Prime Minister Robert Golob declared, “Never again,” reflecting on the past conflicts. He expressed pride in the collaboration between the cities, stating, “If we can take these important steps today, then anyone can, and we can serve as a model for all of Europe.”
Golob emphasized the unifying power of culture, saying, “As culture connects these two cities into one, so too will it help connect many nations into one European family. Two cities, one town, many nations, one Europe. Let’s go, Gorizia!” He wished both cities a fruitful year ahead under the theme “Let’s go! Without borders.”
The day-long program, titled “From Station to Station,” attracted around 50,000 spectators. It began in the morning and featured performances from over 2,000 participants, primarily youth from both nations, alongside representatives from local minorities.
The ECOC was officially inaugurated in the afternoon at the newly renovated Europe Square, a site that once marked the border between Italy and Slovenia. In their speeches, the presidents of both countries, Nataša Pirc Musar and Sergio Mattarella, emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“It is moving that on Prešeren Day, Slovenia’s cultural holiday, we open the European Capital of Culture at Europe Square, where we embraced our European identity over 20 years ago, alongside our Italian friends and neighbors,” noted Pirc Musar.
Mattarella remarked, “In a world increasingly fraught with tensions and conflicts, Slovenia and Italy have demonstrated that choosing cooperation is indeed possible.” He added that culture transcends borders, encouraging learning, exploration, and mutual enrichment.
Prior to the event, the two presidents met in Vipolže, located in Goriška Brda, where Mattarella presented Pirc Musar with Italy’s highest state honor.
Alongside Nova Gorica-Gorizia, the German city of Chemnitz also shares the ECOC title this year. (February 8)
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