Luxembourg and Sibiu

The European Cultural Capitals 2007

Luxembourg, situated in the Western part of Europe, and Sibiu (Hermannstadt), a historical town in the Romanian province of Transylvania, have been designated as the Cultural Capitals of Europe in the year of 2007. The two cities are hosting all through the year a rich range of cultural events including performances, workshops, jam sessions, conferences and debates from the domains of literature, art, music, film and dance. It is the first time in history that a city from Eastern Europe has been granted the privilege of hosting a cultural event of such magnitude.

Quite a few reputed manifestations, like the Festival of the Cultures and Arts and the cultural week Africa, the Cradle of Humanity, or a show with Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana are taking place in Luxembourg in the month of August. If you happen to be there this summer, don’t miss the art project Trans(ient) City by Jiu Yue jiu de Jiu and Xu Tan in the Place of Martyrs.

Some of the highlights of the 300 events planned during the months of August and September in Sibiu are: The National Festival of Folk Traditions, permanent Dali and Chagall exhibitions or the Sibiu International Salon of Photographic Art with the participation of some 1,500 photographers from all over the world, including approximately 8,000 photos.

The common program called “A European Marathon of Poetry” includes philharmonic concerts in both cities, as well as historical films of the two “European Cultural Capitals”.

Other European Events

On September 1 -2, the traditional Bognor Birdman in Bognor Regis, West Sussex – England, is again giving those who seek just 15 seconds of celebrity the opportunity to jump-fly off Bognor pier with their human powered flying machines in an attempt to win a big distance prize. An absolute must if you are visiting England in those days.

By Adriana Carcu