L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano T he twin cities of Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gori- c a i n S l o v e n i a have been jointly designated as the European C a p i t a l o f C u l t u r e f o r 2025, in an unprecedented move that created the first cross-border capitale della cultura since the initiative's establishment in 1985. This historic collaboration, oper- ating under the theme GO! Borderless, is a significant milestone in European cul- tural integration, and mirrors the cities' shared history and commitment to cross-border unity. Twins, but different Gorizia's roots trace back to the early Middle Ages, but i t w a s u n d e r H a b s b u r g rule that its traditional, mul- ticultural environment devel- oped. Home to Slavic, Ger- m a n a n d I t a l i a n communities, each of them c o n t r i b u t e d t h r o u g h c e n - turies to the uniquely multi- faceted culture of the area. The aftermath of World War II, however, brought signifi- c a n t c h a n g e s . T h e 1 9 4 7 Paris Peace Treaty delin- eated new borders, assigning Gorizia to Italy: consequent- ly, Yugoslavia initiated the construction of Nova Gori- ca just across the border, aiming to establish a new urban center. This division physically separated commu- nities and families, and creat- ed a tangible manifestation of the Iron Curtain in the heart of Europe. From division to unity The fall of the Iron Curtain and Slovenia's subsequent independence paved the way f o r r e n e w e d c o o p e r a t i o n between the two cities. The Schengen Agreement's implementation in 2007 fur- ther dissolved physical barri- ers, promoting the growth of a cross-border community: the joint European Capital of Culture designation is the ultimate symbol of the power of cultural collaboration in bridging historical divides. Indeed, the GO! Border- less initiative was designed to highlight and reinforce the cultural unity and shared h e r i t a g e o f G o r i z i a a n d Nova Gorica. The project was built around four fundamen- tal pillars, each contributing to the overarching goal of creating a cross-border cul- tural identity. The first is cultural collaboration, to support joint artistic projects celebrating the region's rich cultural legacy. Then, we find community engagement, which encourages local par- ticipation in artistic and cul- t u r a l e v e n t s t o b u i l d a stronger, collective sense of b e l o n g i n g . A t h i r d m a j o r focus is sustainable devel- opment, which emphasizes environmentally responsible practices in urban planning, event organization, and cul- t u r a l p r o d u c t i o n s , a n d ensures that the European Capital of Culture designa- tion leaves a long-term, posi- t i v e e c o l o g i c a l f o o t p r i n t . Finally, innovation and creativity are also at the heart of GO! 2025, support- ing modern artistic expres- sions and integrating cut- ting-edge technology into cultural projects. W h a t s h o u l d w e expect? The GO! 2025 program offers a wide range of cultur- al events and artistic projects designed to celebrate the diverse traditions, histories, and modern creative expres- sions of the region. The Bor- d e r l e s s B o d y p r o j e c t , which introduces the first- ever permanent cross-border dance ensemble, is particu- larly interesting, as it brings together dancers from both s i d e s o f t h e b o r d e r , i n a reflection of the fusion of c u l t u r e s t h a t d e f i n e s t h e area. Another significant com- p o n e n t o f t h e p r o g r a m i s EPIC, the European Plat- form for International Cultural Exchange, which establishes a new exhibition space and event venue dedi- cated to exploring the com- plex history of the 20th cen- tury, human rights, and the v a l u e s s h a p i n g m o d e r n Europe. The space will serve a s a h u b f o r c u l t u r a l exchange, artistic expression, and historical reflection. GO! 2025 is also the home of The Other Radio, an innovative internet platform that functions as a podcast and radio station. The pro- ject's main aim is to give a voice to minority communi- ties in the region, allowing them to share their narra- tives, perspectives, and cul- t u r a l c o n t r i b u t i o n s i n a n open and inclusive space. Then, we have From Sta- tion to Station, one of GO! 2025's flagship events, which m a r k e d , o n l y a c o u p l e o f weeks ago, the official open- ing of the European Capital of Culture year. It is a sym- bolic journey, highlighting the historical significance of railway connections between the two cities, and represent- ing the broader theme of cul- tural exchange and coopera- tion. The theater will also play a significant role in the cultur- al programming, particularly through the project Dode- calogy 1972–1983, an orig- inal theatrical production developed by Tomi Janežič in collaboration with Simona Semenič. At its heart, the exploration of crucial histori- cal and cultural narratives that shaped the region across the 70s and 80s. Another key event, Basa- glia, will pay homage to the influential psychiatrist Fran- co Basaglia, whose revolu- t i o n a r y w o r k i n m e n t a l health reform transformed psychiatric care in Italy. The project will explore his lega- cy and its impact on mental health policies, social inclu- s i o n , a n d h u m a n r i g h t s , offering both artistic and educational programming in s u p p o r t o f m e n t a l h e a l t h awareness. C e n t r a l t o G O ! 2 0 2 5 i s also the development of the ECoC District, a kilometer- long area along the former border strip between the two cities; newly designed and renovated, this space will serve as a hub for events and social gatherings throughout t h e y e a r a n d w i l l f e a t u r e green solutions, sustainable initiatives, and new ameni- ties for both citizens and visi- tors. Reflecting on painful past The inauguration of GO! 2025 was marked by a cere- mony attended by Italian President Sergio Matta- rella. In his address, Presi- dent Mattarella highlighted the cities' symbolic represen- t a t i o n o f a n e w E u r o p e characterized by freedom, friendship and coopera- tion, in contrast with past experiences of division and distrust. He emphasized that N o v a G o r i c a a n d G o r i z i a stand as "a sign of hope in a continent wounded by the tragic return of war and chal- l e n g e d b y i m p e t u o u s c h a n g e s . " T h e c e r e m o n y also provided a platform to a c k n o w l e d g e a n d r e f l e c t u p o n t h e c o m p l e x a n d painful history of the region, including the events sur - rounding the Foibe massa- cres and the forced migra- tions that occurred during and after World War II: a candid confrontation with the past, essential for healing a n d f o r b u i l d i n g a f u t u r e rooted in mutual respect and understanding, which is even more touching in light of current global challenges, s u c h a s t h e c o n f l i c t s i n U k r a i n e a n d t h e M i d d l e East. It is in this optic that, per- h a p s , t h e c o l l a b o r a t i o n between Gorizia and Nova Gorica offers its most power- ful message, a message of reconciliation and unity. FRANCESCA BEZZONE Gorizia and Nova Gorica, a Tale of Two Cities ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES Gorizia Castle (Photo: Tamas Karpati/Dreamstime); bottom left, traditional dancing in Gorizia's Piazza De Amicis, during the celebrations for the opening of GO2025, Gorizia-Nova Gorica European Capital of Culture (Photo: Lorenzo Pegoraro/Dreamstime)

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