At the start of the “Capital of Culture application year”, friends of the Capital of Culture application, interested Chemnitz residents, guests and night owls are invited to join us on Saturday, the 2. February, to the Weltecho Chemnitz, from 20.25 hrs for a panel discussion followed by a “Capital City Party” . <The entrance is free.

From 8.25 pm there will be a panel discussion with two DJs from the current European Capitals of Culture: Damiano from Matera (Italy) and George from Plovdiv (Bulgaria): How have they experienced and still experience their home cities in the last few years and now in the Capital of Culture year? What has changed? What went well? What were the problems? All questions that also concern Chemnitz. Afterwards, from 10 p.m. on, the two DJs will play music at the “Capital City Party” Musik.

Damiano from Matera (Italy) and George from Plovdiv (Bulgaria) witnessed the Capital of Culture application process in their home cities, the changes in the cities and the opportunities that this brought for the people there.

 

We talked to the two DJs of the “Capital Party” in advance:

Plovdiv

From Plovdiv to Chemnitz In the heart of Bulgaria is the European Capital of Culture 2019: Plovdiv. The country’s second largest city looks back on one of the longest histories in Europe. In order to unite the old and the new, the city is bringing people together in the Capital of Culture year under the motto “together”.

DJ George lives in Plovdiv and will speak at the capital city party about his home country and the application for the Capital of Culture. Afterwards he will show his skills as a DJ.

<Describe your city in three words.

Antique, everlasting, beautiful.

What does it mean to you to live in a cultural capital?

I live in a beautiful city with a fascinating history. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has remarkable places to offer. From Plovdiv come the finest fruits and vegetables and the most delicious baked goods from the whole region.

The city is an important centre in Bulgaria. It is characterized by a beautiful old town, an ancient amphitheater, a mountainous landscape and many historical cultural monuments. Plovdiv has experienced an exciting history, it would take months, even years to tell it.

We always say: Plovdiv and its people are “aylak” – relaxed, resting in themselves and letting the hectic pace of everyday life bounce off them.

What tip do you give Chemnitz to become European Capital of Culture 2025?

I hardly know Chemnitz yet and can’t say much about the city. But I will get to know it on February 2nd. So I can’t give you a precise tip, but it is always important that people are satisfied and that both the new and the old generation are tolerated in the city.

Matera

For a long time people in the Italian Matera lived under disastrous circumstances. Now the city in the south of Italy is the European Capital of Culture 2019 – and as a beacon project it should find imitators.

From Matera to Chemnitz DJ Damiano is travelling these days. He will play records at the Chemnitz Capital of Culture party at the Weltecho.

With the slogan “Open Future” Matera is one of the current European Capitals of Culture. Damiano Fragasso lives and works in the southern Italian city, which is famous for its rugged caves. At the capital city party, on 2 February 2019 at the Weltecho, he will bring the Capital of Culture flair to Chemnitz as a DJ.

Three questions to a Capital of Culture citizen:

<Describe your city in three words.

Three words are not enough to describe Matera. But I'll try a quote: "Tanto espressiva e toccante la sua dolente bellezza. "So expressive and touching its sad beauty." Carlo Levi

From Matera to Chemnitz What does it mean for you to live in a cultural capital?

Above all, it means becoming aware of historical, but also economic changes. It is very exciting to see how the citizens of Matera regain their recognition in the country and are once again proud of their city.

What tip do you give Chemnitz to become European Capital of Culture 2025?

I have no concrete proposals. It is simply important to look into the history of your city and find a common direction on how to deal with it.