I am pleased to inform the world that Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), where I live, has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2022. It will share this honour, bestowed by the European Union, with Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania.
Esch (population: 34 000) is Luxembourg’s second city after the capital, with an industrial past (steelworks are still operative), and is the seat of the country’s university. It has a vibrant cultural activity, with venues including the municipal Theatre and Conservatorium, the Rockhal concert venue, and the Kulturfabrik arts centre (photo below), as well as an established annual Flamenco Festival. 30% of the population is international, the most numerous communities being Portuguese, Italian and African. Esch will be spearheading a consortium of municipalities in southern Luxembourg and across the border in France, which will share the hosting of activities.
A campaign ‘I Support Esch 2022’ is already under way and I will surely be backing it!
For more details, see:
Dr Christopher Rollason: BILINGUAL CULTURE BLOG - ENGLISH/SPANISH - CASTELLANO/INGLÉS 