Limassol and Larnaca Continue Their Bid for the Title of European Capital of Culture

The Municipality of Nicosia has congratulated Limassol and Larnaca for advancing to the second stage of the competition for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030. Three other Cypriot cities have been eliminated from the race.

"This achievement recognizes their creativity and dedication to preserving and promoting European cultural heritage and innovation. We congratulate the candidate cities for showcasing the cultural diversity and vibrancy of Europe through their visions and proposals," said the Municipality in a statement.

Limassol and Larnaca are the final two cities remaining after a group of European Commission experts visited Cyprus for "preliminary hearings" on the original five applications. Other contenders included Ayia Napa, the Municipality of Kourion, and Nicosia.

The Kourion Municipality also expressed its congratulations to the finalists, wishing them success in their ongoing journey toward the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture.

Authorities from both Limassol and Larnaca have already expressed their joy at reaching the final stage of the competition.

Cyprus will be one of three countries to host the European Capital of Culture in 2030. The title will be shared with Leuven, Molenbeek, and Namur in Belgium, along with one city from a non-EU country. Currently, the cities of Lviv in Ukraine and Nikšić in Montenegro have already submitted their bids for 2030.

In 2030, Cyprus will host the European Capital of Culture for the second time: Paphos previously held the title in 2017, sharing it with the Danish city of Aarhus.