European Capital of Culture: Plovdiv 2019
It’s never too early to start planning next year’s European vacations. If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore in 2019, you should think about booking a trip to one of the European Capitals of Culture: Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
If you’ve never been to Plovdiv, you can enjoy a new European destination while soaking in world-class cultural events from contemporary art and dance to theater, food, and music. We’ve written about our love of Plovdiv before, and now we’re excited to see what happens in 2019 and the coming years.
Plovdiv is planning on going all out with parades, educational forums, and community workshops. The festivities are already underway, but the real fun kicks off on the weekend of January 11, 2019, in the center of the city with an exciting show filled with dance, light, and music.
But what exactly is a European Capital of Culture?
The official flag of Plovdiv 2019.
European Capital of Culture
The idea was conceived in 1985 as a way to bring Europe closer together through cultural and artistic events and honor the rich diversity of the continent. Since the idea was launched, more than 40 cities have been chosen for the honor.
Impact of being a European Capital of Culture
Being named a European Capital of Culture has been a driving force in raising the profile of several cities across the continent. Along with offering the local population a point of pride, the event can attract thousands of new visitors to a city. In the early years, big cities like Athens, Paris, and Berlin were chosen. In subsequent years, the designation moved on to more-under-the-radar destinations like Tallin, Lille, and Essen.
2019 Cities
For 2019, two cities have been selected: Plovdiv, Bulgaria and Matera, Italy (recently featured in the New York Times). This is a huge opportunity for both cities to showcase their beauty and culture. But it’s especially the case for Plovdiv, which has long stood in the shadow of the capital city, Sofia. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Plovdiv to make a name for itself and attract more visitors from around Europe and the world.
The official slogan for Plovdiv 2019: Together.
Plovdiv 2019
Recently, I had the chance to visit Plovdiv to check in on the preparations for 2019 and learn more about this fascinating city. As one of the oldest in the world, dating back more than 8,000 years, Plovdiv is located at the crossroads of East and West. With Roman ruins expertly integrated into the city, an attractive old town filled with lovely examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, and lively street life, Plovdiv is a pleasant surprise for visitors who come from all over the world.
The charm of the city is easy to find. You just need to stroll down the main pedestrian street, sip a cocktail in the hip neighborhood of Kapana, or climb up the hill in the Old Town for amazing views. You’ll never need to hop on a bus or even worry about crosswalks — most of the main attractions in the city are in fully pedestrianized zones.
Even without the exciting events planned for next year, Plovdiv is worth your attention. If you’re looking for a new weekend city getaway, Plovdiv should be near the top of your list.
The Tobacco City has the potential to be a vibrant part of the city again through art and culture.
The 2019 festivities are bringing old neighborhoods to life including Tobacco City, a series of warehouses that have fallen into disrepair but are now starting to be revitalized. The re-thinking of urban spaces is a big part of Plovdiv 2019, and the events offer a unique opportunity for locals to interact with their own city in new ways.
As a city boasting a vibrant local art scene, Plovdiv 2019 will also offer the chance for local artists to show off their talents. During my visit, there were musicians playing from patios along the main street, performers on the street, and public concerts in the main square to kick off the 2019 celebration. You can expect a lot more of that next year.
Celebrating the opening night program.
2019 Capital of Culture Events in Plovdiv
The talented team behind the festivities are pulling out all of the stops with an impressive lineup of activities. The events are divided into four categories: Fuse, Transform, Revive, and Relax.
A few of the highlights include:
• “Chitalishta” Project
• Listen to Us – Artistic Intelligence
• “European Odyssey 2019. The Travelling Man”
• Ayliak Parade
• Love Swing Dance Festival
Check out the full program in Plovdiv here and sign up for updates on their newsletter.
Plovdiv travel tips
Get a jump on the fun before the crowds start flocking to Plovdiv. If you need more information on visiting this vibrant city, check out our budget guide to visiting Plovdiv.
You can also search and book more than 600 hotels in Plovdiv. Rates for nice rooms with a private bathroom start under $30! One of our favorites is the spectacular Guest House Old Plovdiv, one of the finest hostels in the world.
For more information on the 2019 Culture of Capital cities, you can check the official websites for Plovdiv 2019 and Matera 2019.
The hilltop view of Plovdiv from Alyosha Monument.
Your experiences
Have you ever been to a European Capital of Culture? Let us know in the comments below.
Editor’s Note: Accommodations and transportation were provided by Plovdiv 2019 Foundation.
About the author
Are there guided or unguided bicycle trips available in Bulgaria?