Never like this year Northern Europe is one of the most trendy destinations for those who love high-cultural trips. The reason is soon said: this is where they are Umeå and Riga, Two. European Capital of Culture 2014, that can represent two stages of a journey between the Nordic atmospheres of Latvia and Sweden.
Delicious architectural experiment, Riga represents the meeting between Nordic modernity and the refined elegance of its Art Nouveau historic centre, become UNESCO heritage. To celebrate this duality the celebrations of the year from Capital of Culture will follow the wire conductor of link between past and present, between contradictions and fascinating twists.
Beyond 200 events in the name of music and literature will be heard among art districts around the streets of Kalnciema and Miera and the National Art Museum of Latvia. To them musical events is dedicated a rather wide chapter starting from the futuristic multimedia preparation of the Rienzi di Wagner, with his fireworks. Other important musical event World Choir Games, the world's largest choral competition. Various and fun the night initiatives as open museums and white nights, especially appreciated by tourists and locals.
This year’s absolute protagonist is the work ofFrench artist Christian Boltanski "Heartbeats": a collective work that will unite the recordings of heartbeat of visitors in a single harmonic sound.
Among other events to be reported Book exhibition the National Library dedicated to the last 500 years of the printed book; the event The Way of the Amber involving many museums citizens; The future on display, contemporary art festival and street art events. And again, the 27th exhibition of European Film Awards, the celebrations for summer solstice and traditional holidays. Unforgettable Staro Riga Light (Light Festival), between 14 and 18 November and the Festival Riga Punkts that will give rise to a beautiful union between science and art.
A comfortable accommodation in the city is offered by Maritim Park Hotel facing the quiet of the park Uzvaras, a short distance from the historic center and the main attractions
Many will be the events that will animate the 2014 of Umeå, located about 600 km from Stockholm, half way to the Arctic Circle. The cultural centre of the events will be the Väven creative district and the House of culture.
In historic center, to measure pedestrians and cyclists, you can visit Västerbottens Museum, an ethnographic museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of the people Sami, and the sculpture park Umedalen Sculpture Park that hosts permanent exposure (and many temporary) sculptures in the open air. Over 200 Swedish and international artists have exhibited here over the years.
On the occasion of the year from Capital of Culture the museum was recently inaugurated Guitars, an exhibition space that houses one of the most beautiful private vintage collections Electric guitars and bassbeyond a space for live performances, a recording studio, a photo and a restaurant. A curiosity: not far from here the oldest record store in Sweden, a real institution!
Among the most interesting events of the year to report Annual dance festival with young dancers and choreographers, the kermesse of performing arts Norrlands Opera, exhibition of crafts Sami and the Night White by Umea the 25 May with 150 events all free.
You can sleep at the Hotel Aveny in Umea, modern and rich in comfort in the heart of the city, characterized by technology, bright colors and an international staff.
