BERGAMO / BRESCIA TWINNED FOR PRIZE

For the first time two Italian cities, Bergamo and Brescia (Lombardia), have joined forces to capture the coveted denomination of “Italian City of Culture 2023.” The prize, introduced by former Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, is awarded anually to a municipality that produces the best initiatives to promote its cultural image and consequently boost tourism. The prize brings €1m to the winner of the best project. The 2022 winner was the small island of Procida off the coast of Naples which offered a programme of 44 innovative projects and 154 events distributed throughout the entire year.

Bergamo and Brescia were the cities worst hit at the onset of the Covid pandemic and the inaugural “Festival of Light” ceremony with the theme “Light is Life” is also intended as a tribute to the memory of the many victims.

The two cities have packed parallel programmes throughout the year, with art exhibitions, concerts and other major events.

For details of the full programme: www.bergamobrescia2023.it