Aarhus and Pafos Named European Capitals of Culture for 2017

Aarhus in Denmark and Pafos in Cyprus have been designated the European Capitals of Culture for 2017, succeeding Wroclaw (Poland) and San Sebastian (Spain). The initiative, launched on June 13, 1985, by the Council of Ministers on the proposal of Melina Merkouri, then Greek Minister of Culture, aims to bring European citizens closer together. Athens was the first city to hold the title. Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city and known as the 'City of Smiles,' will begin its cultural program on January 21 with a focus on children, a Viking saga, an outdoor art exhibition, a world creativity forum, and an international children's literature festival, all under the theme 'Rethinking.' The city is noted for its modern architecture, including the rainbow walkway atop the ARoS museum by Olafur Eliasson. Pafos, a UNESCO World Heritage site associated with the goddess Aphrodite and positioned as a meeting point between West and Middle East, will adopt the theme 'Connecting Continents, Bringing Cultures Together.' Its opening ceremony on January 28 will center on myth and religion, transforming the city into an open-air stage. Matera, Italy, is scheduled to hold the title in 2019.