10 Cultural Capitals Set to Shine in 2013

Marseille, France

As one of two European Capitals of Culture designated by the EU for 2013, Marseille in the south of France is hard at work making last-minute preparations for its big year. Creative projects set to transform the city include turning Marseille into an enormous playground, construction of a large-scale cardboard "ephemeral city," and the creation of new permanent cultural venues. Throughout the year, the city will buzz with street dances, contemporary art, and even, intriguingly, transhumance, "an itinerant event featuring cattle herds from all around the Mediterranean converging in Marseille."

Kosice, Slovakia

Europe's second capital of culture for the year is the first city in Slovakia to hold the title. Kosice is planning a fabulous debut on the European stage, with events such as the Night of Museums and Galleries, the public art Use The C!ty festival, and celebrations of music, folk culture, dance, and even Roma culture.

Barranquilla, Colombia

The title of 2013 American Capital of Culture goes to Barranquilla, Colombia. The port city is famous for its annual Carnival, which was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003. Colombia's fourth largest city, Barranquilla is both an industrial hub and a cosmopolitan urban center known for its nightlife, historical buildings, and dining scene. As a cultural capital, it will focus on civic revitalization as well as host major events, including its bicentennial as a legally recognized city.

Jeonju, South Korea

It's official, Jeonju is a great place to eat. Recognized for the measures it has taken in safeguarding its culinary heritage and for celebrating local food, the South Korean city is UNESCO's fourth City of Gastronomy, joining Popayan, Colombia; Chengdu, China; and Ostersund, Sweden. Signature dishes include Jeonju bibimbap, a colorful bowl of rice and over 30 different vegetables, meats, and flavorings; rice and barley in a stone pot served with gingko nuts, ginseng, and fresh vegetables; and the strong traditional wine leegangju.

Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to the first-ever UK City of Culture. The historic walled city of Derry-Londonderry will be celebrating the inaugural designation with a nocturnal light festival, the world's biggest Irish festival, and dozens of other cultural, art, and sporting events.

Beijing, China

Beijing is the latest city to be honored as a UNESCO City of Design. With its focus on emerging design, creative training programs, new architecture, and urban planning, all fostered by its vibrant community of creators, Beijing has earned a spot alongside previously recognized cities of design including Berlin and Montreal.

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is serious about sports. So serious in fact that it has been named 2013's Capital of Sport by ACES, the European Capitals of Sport Association. Each year, more than 70 different sporting events—including tennis, cycling, swimming, and running—attract more than 450,000 spectators. Sixty-five percent of Antwerp's adult population engages in sports, and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors as well, including the Antwerp 10 Miles & Marathon in April and the Antwerp Iron Man Half Triathalon in July.

Norwich, England

As the 34th city in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, Norwich, England, joins Dublin, Ireland; Iowa City, Iowa; and others around the world as a City of Literature. Norwich stands out for its thriving writing community and its history of publishing. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Visit between February and June for the annual Spring Literary Festival or from September through December for the Autumn Literary Festival.

Naples, Italy

With an unbeatable location on Italy's Amalfi Coast, Naples is the Universal Forum of Cultures Foundation's 2013 World Capital of Cultures. As host to the Universal Forum of Cultures gathering, the city and surrounding region of Campania will host 101 days of events, including major concerts and exhibitions, between May 25 and September 4. The region is getting a facelift to prepare for the spotlight, so visitors can benefit even if they don't attend the planned festivities.

Bogota, Colombia

Bogota's fast-growing music scene has earned it the title of UNESCO City of Music. The capital of Colombia uses music to celebrate cultural diversity and as a "tool for socioeconomic improvement." The city's many performance spaces are filled with everything from classical to popular music. Bogota shares the City of Music title with Seville, Spain; Bologna, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland; and Ghent, Belgium.

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