Europe, a continent with a very long history, has many cultures and traditions. To celebrate this diversity, the European Union runs a programme that names several cities as European Capitals of Culture each year.
To mark its 40th anniversary, two cities were selected this year: Oulu in Finland and Trencin in Slovakia. Each city will have a year-long cultural programme called featuring exhibitions, performances, festivals, and more.
Oulu
Located in the Finnish region of North Ostrobothnia, about 600km north of Helsinki, Oulu is a "quirky" city by the sea, as described on its tourism website, Visit Oulu.
"This is a home of people who like to choose their own path and do things differently. We are the ones who created the modern mobile technology and are forerunners in 6G. The ones who made up the peculiar Air Guitar World Championship to promote the message of world peace... " the website goes on to elaborate.
If you decide to visit Oulu this year or the next, you may want to check out its science centre Tietomaa, have a picnic on the Nallikari beach, go bird-watching at the Liminganlahti Visitor Centre, spend time in nature at the Bothnian Bay National Park, and explore some of its castle ruins.
There are also a number of interesting places to see in neighbouring cities including Syote, known as the southernmost fell in Finland, the Hailuoto island, the Kalajoki sands and Liminka, a "world-class bird wetlands".
For this year, Oulu has built its cultural programme, called "Cultural Climate Change", in collaboration with 39 other municipalities. The programme will involve hundreds of artists, creators and culture experts from Oulu and its neighbouring cities and regions, including from other European countries.
Look out for "Climate Clock", Oulu's flagship production featuring six permanent artworks exhibited in different areas of the city. There are also a number of events that will be held in celebration of the traditions and culture of the Sami people.
The city will also host its annual Air Guitar World Championships from Aug 26 to 29, giving visitors a chance to experience this unique cultural event.
For other programmes, check out the Visit Oulu website.
Trencin is located in western Slovakia along the Vah River near the Czech border. It is said that Trencin is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia, and holds many historical remnants and landmarks like the famous Trencin Castle from the 11th century.
There's also the City Tower, said to be built in the 15th century; centuries-old churches and chapels; a covered Renaissance Parish Stairs built in 1568; Katov Dom, which is the house of the town's headsman that dates back to 1580; and a Roman inscription from the year 179 that's carved into a large rock just below Trencin Castle.
Trencin will launch its cultural year this year from Feb 13 to 15, and its year-long programme will be called "Curiosity”.
Some of the events that will be held include a multimedia exhibition by Turkish artists called The Well Of Love, the Trencin Literary Festival, a summer music festival and more.
Head to the Visit Trencin website for more information.
