 Feb 8 2025 - Dec 31 2025

 Nova Gorica, Gorizia

Nova Gorica and Gorizia will launch their cross-border European Capital of Culture (ECOC) on 8 February with a day-long a cultural-artistic promenade titled From Station to Station.

Linking the cities' train stations, the programme will start with a morning brass band reveille at 10am, followed by a cross-border parade featuring local associations, schools, majorettes and choirs.

The parade will pass through Gorizia's Vittoria Square, near once a popular shopping district for Slovenians during Yugoslav times, via the former border crossing.

After the official opening ceremony and artistic programme in Europe Square starting at 4pm, the main spectacle will begin in Edvard Kardelj Square at 6pm, followed by a cross-border party late into the night spilling into both cities.

One of the major projects will Dodecalogy 1972-1983, a series of 12 interconnected productions by several theatre companies dedicated to lives of people in Central Europe in the 20th century.

Another highlight will be the Walk for Europe from 1 May to 9 May, Europe Day. The multi-day event will see walks of friendship and walks along peace trails in the Soča Valley, commemorating WWI battlefields.

Visitors will also be able to view artworks that Zoran Mušič (1909-2005) created in the Dachau concentration camp, and a documentary about childhood memories of WWII, told by residents still living on the two sides of the border.

Foodies will enjoy Tastes without Borders as the region's largest gastronomic festival expands to both sides of the border for the first time between 26 and 28 September.

The European Capital of Culture will conclude in December 2025 with the Festival of Lights.

For further details, visit the official website here.