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Kalamata 2021: 5 reasons why
From history to the present and beyond
Kalamata connects its candidacy for the title European Capital of Culture in 2021 with what was in a part of Greece the beginning of the Greek Revolution in 1821. The city hopes thereby be to once again in the focus of Europe. While the fighters of 1821 had to call for support by European forces to free a part of Greece (Ioannina was only freed in 1913 with the beginning of the Balkan war), the city considers it is to be time to make a cultural contribution of Greece to Europe.
The 5 reasons which enhance the candidacy of Kalamata as the European Capital of Culture in 2021
First reason:
Kalamata has extensive experience in organizing international events such as the International Dance Festival of Kalamata which has been organized since 1995 in the city. The public is already sensitized to cultural happenings around cultural events and activities.
Second reason:
Kalamata has the appropriate infrastructure for easy access from all over Europe: international airport, new motorway (about 2 hours from Athens), port where cruise ships and ferries (to Kythira and Crete) can dock. It has a marina for yachts and catamarans.
Third reason:
Has completed the construction of the Hall of Dance, the third largest venue in Greece, after the concert halls in Athens and Thessaloniki. Moreover it has folklore and archeological museums. The Conservatory of Kalamata has an international reputation and its students have won numerous awards worldwide. The two museums have collections of numerous cultural objects which show how the life of the townspeople has been shaped over the ages.
Fourth reason:
For visitors and investors alike has the appropriate facilities for all financial requirements. There are hotels, small family businesses, boutique hotels, resorts for family holidays. Visitors can taste local specialties and fresh local produce such as the famous olive oil, Kalamata olives, nougat, the folds, and pork (as mentioned in the writings of Homer).
Fifth reason:
Visitors can combine their stay in the city of Kalamata with visits to important archaeological sites (Ancient Messina), Taygetos (alt. 2400 m.), At Niagara Polilimnio, the castles of Methoni and Koroni Pylos with Nestor's Palace. It also has very nice beaches like the famous Voidokoilia, Stoupa, Kardamili Finikounda and huge beach in Kalamata.
Through the candidacy Kalamata wishes to high light the cultural heritage of Greece and raise the profile of Greece in the world.
Text taken from news.travelling.gr
Καλαμάτα: Πολιτιστική πρωτεύουσα Ευρώπης για το 2021 ...
www.inewsgr.com/.../kalamata-politistiki-protevousa-e...
Other News:
On the 6th of November 2014 there was a first public meeting in the city to promote the candidacy.
There are plans for a choir festival in 2015 under the theme 'intercultural voices'.
As of 21st of November, Volunteers are sought by the Candidacy Office "Kalamata 2021"l
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