Europe has its capitals of culture program, and now Africa has one too.
With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) scheduled for 2020, Cairo will be a sought-after urban destination for travellers this year, but not the only one. A number of planned events will also attract attention to other cities around the world over the next 12 months. Here is a roundup of what is happening and where.
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
> Expo 2020
The small emirate is determined to capitalise on the upcoming World Expo, which will take place from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, to promote its advantages as a vacation destination. Some 192 pavilions representing as many countries, more than 200 restaurants and 60 daily events will highlight the theme of Expo 2020: “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
Vienna (Austria)
> 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven
Vienna will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven.© trabantos / Shutterstock
The 250th anniversary of the birth of the great composer will set the tempo in the Austrian capital throughout the year. An exhibition of original letters and manuscripts opened on December 19 last year, while renowned conductor Marin Alsop will lead the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as part of the “All Together: A Global Ode to Joy” initiative.
Lille (France)
> World Design Capital in 2020
Lille will be the World Capital of Design in 2020. © Jorisvo / IStock.com
The capital of French Flanders is taking over from Mexico City as the international epicentre of design. Around 50 exhibitions will document how design can play a role in the challenges of tomorrow, such as climate change, better housing and the search for a more inclusive society. Each season of 2020 will be devoted to a specific theme.
Rijeka (Croatia)
> European Capital of Culture
Rijeka in Croatia will be a European Capital of Culture in 2020. © majaiva / IStock.com
For the first time, the Croatian coastline has been honoured by the European Capital of Culture program. The port city close to the Slovenian border will host a specially commissioned opera. There will be contemporary art with a notable exhibition by Nan Hoover, whose work revolves around video and photography. Finally, the year of culture will not be limited to Rijeka, as surrounding towns will also be involved in the program. The Rijeka Carnival, which takes place in January and February, will be one of the key moments of the year.
Galway (Ireland)
> European Capital of Culture
Galway in Ireland will be a European Capital of Culture in 2020. © jacquesvandinteren / IStock.com
Another port city, Galway in the west of Ireland will also be spotlighted as a second European Capital of Culture in 2020. In a program that reflects the seasons of the Celtic calendar, many of the planned events will be held outdoors to maximise the attendance of tourists and locals. Set to begin on February 1, the program will include a fireworks display and a wide-range of performances in the city. Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17 will also be another high point.
Paris (France)
> 350 years of the Hôtel des Invalides
The Hôtel des Invalides will celebrate its 350th anniversary in 2020. © TanyaSv / Istock.com
The Musée de l’Armée will celebrate the 350th anniversary of the creation of the famous Parisian monument which houses Napoleon’s tomb. The anniversary will be a reminder that the former military hospital has many other distinctions besides being the final resting place of the French emperor. Visitors will be treated to an exhibition on the lives of original residents of the Hôtel des Invalides, and a series of concerts will take place throughout the year.
Marrakesh (Morocco)
> African Capital of Culture
Marrakesh will be African Capital of Culture in 2020. © VanderWolf-Images / Istock.com
Europe has its capitals of culture program, and now Africa has one too! The launch of the initiative which aims to demonstrate the diversity of African cultures is set to begin in Marrakesh on January 31 with a major street show by African and Moroccan artists.
Tokyo
> Summer Olympics
Tokyo’s new Olympic Stadium was inaugurated on December 21, 2019. © Relaxnews/Bérangère CHATELAIN
What with the Euro soccer tournament and the Vendée Globe, 2020 will be a major year in sport. Even more importantly, all eyes will be focused on the Japanese archipelago this summer, where Tokyo will be hosting the Olympic Games for the second time in its history. The city, which is gearing up to welcome huge numbers of visitors, recently set up an enormous Olympic rings sign for the games, which are set to begin on July 24.
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