Thousands expected in Valletta as the city is crowned Capital of Culture

All eyes will be on Valletta on Saturday, as the city takes on the mantle of European Capital of Culture.

Thirty foreign media houses have flown in to cover the launch of the V18 events, which will kick off at 5pm today with an opening ceremony at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
Read: Celebrating Valletta 2018
From 80,000 to 100,000 people are expected to flock to four main squares in Valletta.
The European Capital of Culture initiative is designed to give cities the opportunity to celebrate their culture on a pan-European platform.
Read: Question time: Promoting culture
The Capital of Culture crown, introduced in 1985, has been awarded to 58 cities so far.
Valletta was recommended for the 2018 title in October 2012 and formally chosen as a Capital of Culture in May 2013.

Read: Valletta 2018 is here to stay
European Capitals of Culture are formally designated four years before they become hosts.? The European Commission supports and guides the chosen capital throughout the four years leading up to the event.

The competition for the title starts six years in advance, to give bidding cities enough time to engage with stakeholders and citizens.
Read: Which Valletta 2018...

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