The six European Capitals of Culture that participated in the event at the Acropolis Museum also proposed that it be held in Athens every year from 2023 onwards, an idea that was welcomed by the European Commission.
The baton of titles to the three European Capitals of Culture 2023 – Elefsina, Timisoara (Romania), Vesprem (Hungary), were handed over on Monday evening, in a long ceremony at the Acropolis Museum, by the three outgoing European Capitals of Culture 2022 – Es-syro -Alzet (Luxembourg), Kaunas (Lithuania) and Novi Sad (Serbia).
The event was held for the first time since 1985, the year the institution was established, on the initiative of the then Minister of Culture of Greece, Melina Mercouris, together with her French counterpart, Jacques Lange, and Athens the first Cultural Capital of Europe. Since then more than 60 cities have won the title.
The six European Capitals of Culture that participated in the event at the Acropolis Museum also proposed that it be held in Athens every year from 2023 onwards, an idea that was welcomed by the European Commission.
A glass sculpture, by the sculptor Pascale Seil from Luxembourg (“Made by Seil”) of the abduction of Europa, daughter of King Agenor, symbolically marked the event, which was also accompanied by many speeches by the official representatives. Speakers highlighted the meaning and purpose of the European Capitals of Culture to contribute to strengthening Europe in a sustainable way. “One of Europe’s most ambitious and emblematic initiatives, the European Capital of Culture represents the inexhaustible richness and diversity of European culture that unites us: the principles of freedom, peace and human rights,” said the vice-president of the European Commission, among others. Margaritis Schinas, at the event.
“Athens has always symbolized Democracy, humanitarian, humanistic values ​​of the Western world. All these values ​​of freedom, peace, creation, depicted in an ideal way in the frieze of the Parthenon, in these Sculptures that remain fragmented between Athens and London. I hope not for much longer,” said Lina Mendoni, among other things, welcoming the celebration and the ceremony of handing over the title of European Capital of Culture for 2023, held at the Acropolis Museum.
For her part, Despina Geroulanou, president of the 2023 Elefsina Cultural Capital began her speech at the ceremony by saying: “It is amazing and moving that we are all here today, because of the vision of a passionate Greek woman. Here in Athens in the first Cultural Capital of Europe. Melina’s vision was that Culture should become the vehicle for the acquaintance and union of our peoples and through it to build our common European identity” she continued, expressing thanks among other things to the European Committee for the Melina Merkouri award that a few days ago awarded to the Elefsina Cultural Capital. Finally, he wished good success to the other two Capitals of Culture. “It is a very important day for all of us. It is the celebration of Culture, it is the celebration of Europe. It is certain that Melina would be very happy and proud today” concluded Despina Geroulanou.
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