San Sebastian joins Wroclaw as European Culture Capital 2016
PR dla Zagranicy
John Beauchamp
29.06.2011 16:20
The Basque city of Donostia – San Sebastian has been voted as European Capital of Culture for 2016, joining the Polish city of Wroclaw, which won the plebiscite last week.
A couple takes pictures at San Sebastian's La Concha beach after the city was chosen as European Capital of Culture 2016. Photo: PAP/EPA/Javier Etxezarreta
San Sebastian beat Burgos, Cordoba, Las Palmas, Segovia and Zaragoza to win the accolade.
The decision was made by the Spanish culture ministry, which praised the northern city, which is run by a Basque separatist mayor, for managing to “overcome violence and to have culture serve peace and cohabitation.”
Other Spanish cities have reacted to the decision negatively, with the mayor of Zaragoza stating that the events put on in the Basque city will reflect the region’s separatist stance.
Meanwhile, at the announcement of the winning city, Culture Minister Angeles Gonzalez Sinde highlighted the “extraordinary” work developed by the six finalists.
The last Spanish city to be declared European Capital of Culture was Salamanca in 2002, with Madrid receiving the accolade in 1992. (jb)
Source: El Correo/typicallyspanish.com