Every year, the European Union chooses one city to represent Europe’s culture. Each city is chosen for its ability to host tourists, highlight the diversity of European culture, and represent the common history of Europe. Being selected as a European Capital of Culture launches a year-long celebration full of festivals, events, and tourism. The 2012 Capital of Culture is Maribor, Slovenia, why not visit as part of an unusual holidays experience?
At approximately 900 years of age, Maribor has experienced Turkish invasions, the Austrian Empire, and German occupation. Many historical buildings still stand in Maribor, including classic Roman villas, along with art commemorating the World War II invasion of the city. Today, Maribor is home to a university, a football team, and a thriving tourism business. In 2012, Maribor will offer cultural, artistic, and athletic events to draw visitors from across the world.
Maribor’s wine culture is world-famous. The oldest grapevine in the world grows on the side of the Drava River and is harvested every year during mid-fall festival. Near the vine lies the Old Vine House, featuring souvenirs, tours, wine tasting, and wine industry events. The Vinag Wine Cellar in the middle of the city has over 5.5 million litres of wine available for sale. Maribor’s wine is considered some of the best in the entire world and can be purchased from stores or independent wineries. Local villas will often have a bottle or two available for guests.
The image above shows an image from a scene near the city centre of Maribor.
Image Source: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3384/3582740054_360943aa6a_m.jpg Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/schmidtgergely/
Football, or soccer in American English, is a popular sport throughout Europe. Maribor hosts the NK Maribors, a national team. In 2012, a series of exhibition games will be played in Maribor. Soccer teams from around the world will participate, and fans will be able to see the action up-close at Maribor’s well-maintained fields.
A large Jewish population has resided in Maribor for centuries, and the town reflects their presence. Maribor Synagogue is the second oldest Jewish temple in Europe and serves as the centre of the Jewish community. In 2012, cultural programs designed to educate visitors on Jewish customs will be a prominent feature, as will ceremonies remembering the Holocaust.
Every June, Maribor holds a two-week Festival called Lent. Named after a district of the town, not the Catholic holiday, Lent is the highlight of the year for local citizens. In 2012, Maribor will host its largest Festival Lent ever, with musicians, acrobats, mimes, and theatre troupes coming from across Europe. Finding villas or hostel to stay at during June will be extremely difficult.
Slovenia has been working to build an Art Gallery in Maribor for decades, but economic troubles have delayed its construction. In the latter half of 2012, Maribor will unveil its new gallery, where officials are promising to hold several exhibits of European art. Despite its size, Maribor also does not have an official theatre or playhouse, and a large renovated factory will serve as a stage for the many cultural acts that are booked to perform. Current guests include the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna State Opera, and the Osipov Russian Folk Orchestra. Multiple productions by Slovenian opera houses are also anticipated.
The image above shows a scene of Maribor from the river.
Image Source: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3061/2865752055_14200b841c_m.jpg Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14486460@N00/
Maribor, Slovenia is a one of the top tourist destinations in 2012. Its numerous festivals and cultural events will attract European and global visitors throughout the year. Accommodations in Maribor may be hard to find. Any visitors looking for cheap villas to rent are encouraged to book early. Maribor is taking its role as the European Capital of Culture very seriously. Only one other city has spent a similar amount on its year of celebration. 2012 will be a year to remember for anyone lucky enough to visit Maribor.
