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TunisiaMatera and Tetouan to pick up Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue baton in 2026
Matera (Italy) and Tetouan (Morocco) have been named the 2026 Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue, a yearlong distinction that celebrates the cities’ rich cultural heritage and shared Mediterranean vision, by the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation. Matera, the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2019 European Capital of Culture, and Tetouan, famous for its distinct blend of Andalusian and North African influences, will be the 2026 Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue. With both cities sharing deep historical legacies and traditions, this recognition is a testament to their commitment to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding across the region.
A first edition of the initiative will kick off in the northern capital of Tirana (Albania) and the southern capital of Alexandria (Egypt) next year with collaborative exchanges, including conferences, sporting events, and cultural performances, that engage both local and Euro-Mediterranean artists and civil society. The online call for applications for the 2027 edition will open in January.
The new Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue were formally announced today, on the Day of the Mediterranean, an annual opportunity to promote intercultural dialogue, celebrate cooperation, embrace diversity and strengthen ties between the sea’s two shores. This year’s Day of the Mediterranean campaign turns the spotlight onto everyday Mediterranean heroes who are actively working to address the region’s many pressing challenges.
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Morocco
