Cypriot city of Larnaca wins bid to become European Capital of Culture 2030

Larnaca will be the European Capital of Culture for 2030.

The award brings to Larnaca the Melina Mercouri Prize, worth €1.5 million, funded through the European Commission's Creative Europe programme, in recognition of the quality of the preparatory process.

Larnaca's main objective is to redefine the city's identity and restore its self-esteem, using art and culture as drivers for radical change and development. Larnaca aims to transform itself from a 'service centre' into a vibrant cultural centre, encouraging a sense of community, inclusion and cultural democracy.

The candidacy seeks to address contemporary challenges, promote mutual understanding and place Larnaca on the international map as a sustainable, inclusive and non-discriminatory city.

Larnaca's nomination includes the entire Larnaca region with a population of 145,000 inhabitants, of which 70,000 live in the city of Larnaca, making it the third largest city in Cyprus. The Larnaca region consists of five municipalities and five community associations, representing 31 municipalities.

In 2030, Larnaca will be joined by Leuven in Belgium and Nikšić in Montenegro in the title of European Capital of Culture.