Greek Eleusis became the cultural capital of Europe

Elefsis remembers the past and thinks about the future. The authorities hope that the guests gathered for the holiday will be able to feel the atmosphere of ancient myths.

Alas, the city became a victim of industrialization. However, in the new status, the residents of the city believe in it, it will be reborn in all its splendor. The start of the official program was marked by theatrical performances, concerts, DJ sets right under the open sky. Numerous processions plunged into the mysterious world of myths.

The honorary status of the Athenian suburb, the second most important port in Attica, received together with the Romanian Timisoara and the Hungarian Veszprem. Thus, this year there are three cultural capitals in Europe at once.

In ancient times, Eleusis was the cult center of the fertility goddesses Demeter and Persephone. In the first century BC. it hosted the “Eleusinian mysteries” – initiation rites in the cults of both goddesses. And in the 19th century, the city turned into an industrial center, and environmental problems began. Now Elefsis is in economic decline, helped by deindustrialization.

Every year, a European city becomes the European Capital of Culture for the next 12 months. This year, three have received prestigious status at once – the Greek Elefsis, the Romanian Timisoara and the Hungarian Veszprem.

The initiative started back in 1985, and since then more than fifty European cities have become cultural capitals. All of them won the pan-European competition. Program idea “Creative Europe” – to help Europeans learn more about their common cultural heritage and better understand each other. The cities that win the competition receive one and a half million euros for the implementation of projects aimed at promoting the diversity of Europe. The status of a cultural capital helps cities improve their image, develop the tourism business, and improve the standard of living of residents.

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