Chemnitz – At the ceremonial opening of the European Capital of Culture year in Chemnitz on January 18th, around 700 invited guests from politics, culture, business, and society are expected.

Among others, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media Claudia Roth, Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, and the EU Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef are expected, the city of Chemnitz announced. During the ceremony, the Melina Mercouri Prize, endowed with 1.5 million euros, is to be handed over to the city.

On January 18th, the year as the European Capital of Culture will be ushered in with a festival in Chemnitz, where tens of thousands of visitors are expected. In addition to the ceremony in the opera house, which will be broadcast live on MDR television according to the information, a large opening show is planned at the Marx Monument starting at 7:00 p.m.

There will also be programs on several stages in the city center and interested parties can find out about the Capital of Culture projects in the town hall. Later in the evening, the opening day is supposed to conclude with parties in the city’s clubs. (January 3rd)