As has been the case in recent years in Horse we want to dedicate a space to the two cities that are Cultural Capitals of Europe. In 2019 two new ones in the south of the continent: the Italian Matera and the Bulgarian Plovdiv. Two destinations that, in addition to their usual charms, will add some of the most interesting exhibition, scenic or design proposals of the year.
Two old cities Cultural Capitals of Europe
Panoramic view of Matera
The link between these two cities is that both Matera and Plovdiv are ancient cities. They are two of the oldest cities in the world. In fact, Matera, although the town itself was founded in Roman times, back in the 3rd century BC, there is evidence that Palaeolithic man lived here as early as the Palaeolithic period.
The second of Europe’s Cultural Capitals, Plovdiv is located in the very heart of Bulgaria. A city whose origins go back to an undetermined date of about 8 millennia ago. 8.000 years contemplate this beautiful city like few others in the country.
Roman Theater of Plovdiv
Matera, city of caves
The most emblematic of Matera are its two ancient quarters, the Sassi Caveoso and the Sassi Bariano. Both are made up of countless caves dug into the ground. It is as if the whole of Matera were an immense Gruyere cheese. And families have lived in each of these caves for centuries. These dwellings have undergone a profound transformation and today they are once again habitable, and many of them are even used as restaurants or lodgings.
The Cathedral of Matera
First these caves were named a World Heritage Site. Then the city was declared one of the Cultural Capitals of Europe 2019. As a result, the number of tourists arriving here has grown exponentially. And all of them come across a most unique nucleus, which offers us a journey back in time. Almost to the year 0, when Mel Gibson shot his film The Passion of the Christ here.
The Open Future in Matera
All European Capitals of Culture design their programme of events around a motto. In the case of Matera 2019, the motto is Open Future. Why? Because the experience they propose relies on the participation of the local population, which has to be involved in making the dynamism of the event last over time.
Matera 2019, with its Open Future
In this spirit, the associations of the city and the region are going to participate in some of the events that make up the Matera 2019 programme. They will be the ones performing in the representation of Dante’s Purgatorio in the streets of Matera. Or they will be the ones building the community gardens of Gardentopia or the light paths of Lumen, two projects that count on the participation of great international designers.
Another star event in the programme will be Brian Eno’s show recreating the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. And we can also highlight the exhibition “The poetics of prime numbers” which will be inaugurated on 21 June and which proposes an attractive discourse of scientific dissemination.
On January 19 the cultural capital of Matera began
In short, until 19 December 2019, the events of one of the most innovative and unique programmes that have been planned during the last editions of the Cultural Capitals of Europe will take place.
Plovdiv and tourism in Bulgaria
The city of Plovdiv is one of the great heritage centres of the Bulgarian territory. It is a city with an exceptional monumental ensemble, although it is true that its conservation and tourism development is slowly reaching the level expected by 21st century travellers.
2019 will be a continuous party in Plovdiv
But of course the financial efforts of the authorities to improve in this area are undeniable. And without a doubt, making the city the first Bulgarian city to be part of the European Capital of Culture is a milestone. It is an ideal opportunity to showcase all its riches in the form of a grandiose Roman theatre with a capacity for 7,000 spectators, the historic Kapana district with its underground Roman stadium and the Renaissance and Art Nouveau palaces in the upper part of the city.
Together in Plovdiv
No Bulgarian city has ever been on the list of the Cultural Capitals of Europe, and it seemed logical that it should be Plovdiv, with its antiquity and cultural richness embodied in a heritage that speaks of coexistence, from Ottoman mosques to churches of various faiths. It is therefore not surprising that the motto of Plovdiv 2019 is Together. A call for unity in these times when difference is so much sought after. Indeed, one of the great characteristics of today’s Plovdiv is a large Roma population.
Together with the motto of Plovdiv 2019
In short, with this approach of unity, of being and creating together, an extensive programme has been prepared that includes some 300 different events. And the calendar could not have such an inspiring start as the exhibition of hundreds of fragments of the former Berlin Wall, once a symbol of the Iron Curtain and separation, and here converted into a reference point for artistic creation and coexistence.
The Berlin Wall in Plovdiv
From there, all kinds of events will follow: concerts, opera, theatre, gaming festivals, street events, urban games, rock, performances, exhibitions and audiovisual shows. And with artists from all over Bulgaria, from all over Europe and from all over the world. After all, Plovdiv’s motto is Together. Perhaps that is why the two Cultural Capitals of Europe will be twinned here and Plovdiv will host the exhibition Ars Escavandi, which will somehow bring the caves of Matera to Bulgaria.
A very intense cultural year that will not end on New Year’s Eve, but on 20 December.
