Limassol and Larnaca have been announced as the two candidate cities in Cyprus shortlisted for the Competition for the European Capital of Culture 2030.
The result was revealed by Anthony Attard, Chairman of the Expert Group, during a press conference held on Thursday afternoon at the Deputy Ministry of Culture in Nicosia.
Cities that did not make the shortlist include Nicosia, Ayia Napa, and Kourion. The winning city will be announced in December 2025 at a meeting of the Expert Group.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, emphasized the significance of the competition, stating that the European Capital of Culture competition “highlights the historically important role of cities in shaping cultural identity and in disseminating culture to the wider civil society.”
She added that the competition fosters closer interaction and substantial mutual understanding among the peoples of Europe by showcasing the common cultural elements of European countries along with their distinctive diversity.