Czechia’s Brno Receives the European Christmas Capital Title for 2024
Brno – a city in the Czech Republic – has been awarded as the European Capital of Christmas for 2024 by an international jury.
Whereas the title as the European City of Christmas was received by Waterford (Ireland), and the town of Almanza (Spain) got a special mention by the jury due to its Christmas project, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In their official statement, the jury highlighted that Brno serves as a unique Christmas attraction, portraying its appeal to tourists during the festive season, leading to notable social and micro-macroeconomic impacts on the city’s urban landscape.
The most representative values are undoubtedly solidarity and the strong commitment to its own heritage as a sign of global identity, which is one of the aspects also highlighted by UNESCO, so that the city of Brno is identified as the ultimate expression of creative culture and strong identity, as well as, with its illuminations and flea markets, the most atmospheric Christmas scene.
Whereas Waterford was praised by the jury as an outstanding Christmas destination, symbolising values such as solidarity and a strong commitment to its cultural and heritage identity.
Waterford represents the ultimate expression of creative culture thanks to the great work done with its illuminations and markets.
Although there are two awards given in this contest, the jury unanimously decided to give a special mention to Almanza (Leon, Spain) – a small town with around 600 residents – for creating a high-quality Christmas project.
This annual event is hosted by the Christmas Cities Network Association, a non-profit organisation that aims social and cultural city development, while promoting their tangible and intangible heritage.
The awards are given annually into two categories: The European Capital of Christmas (for cities with more than 100,000 residents) and The European City of Christmas (for cities with less than 100,000 residents).
In this contest, the jury assesses cities for Christmas projects aligning with European values, whereas the ceremony is sponsored by the European Parliament.
Cities and towns that are eligible to participate in this contest include those from the 27 EU Member States, as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Last year, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was elected as the European Christmas Capital 2023, recognised by the jury for its demonstration of solidarity, humanitarian values, and cultural preservation.
Other European cities that have been awarded with such a title include San Sebastian, Genoa, Liège, Valkenburgh, Majadahonda, Medina de Rioseco and Torrejón de Ardoz.
