Plovdiv Celebrates 40 Years of the European Capital of Culture Initiative

In 2025, the European Union commemorates the 40th anniversary of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) initiative, launched in 1985 to celebrate Europe's rich cultural diversity and foster unity through shared cultural experiences.Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, holds a distinguished place in this history as the first Bulgarian city to receive the title, serving as the 60th ECoC in 2019.Plovdiv's tenure as ECoC was marked by the motto "#Together," emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement.The city implemented a comprehensive cultural program that revitalized urban spaces, supported local artists, and attracted international attention. Notably, the transformation of the Kapana district into a vibrant creative hub stands as a testament to the lasting impact of the ECoC designation.To celebrate the 40-year milestone of the ECoC initiative, representatives from all past and present ECoC cities convened in Chemnitz, Germany—one of the designated ECoCs for 2025, alongside Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy).The gathering aimed to reflect on the initiative's legacy and discuss its future direction, including considerations for the next programming period extending to 2033.Plovdiv's participation in this assembly underscores its ongoing commitment to cultural development and its role in shaping the future of the ECoC program. The city's experience offers valuable insights into how cultural initiatives can drive urban regeneration and foster a sense of European identity.

Source: Plovdiv 2019 Official Website