The iconic Bay of Naples island of
Procida was named Italian culture capital for 2022 on Monday.
Procida beat nine other candidates for the accolade.
These were: Ancona, Bari, Cerveteri , L'Aquila , Pieve di Soligo
near Treviso, Taranto , Trapani , Verbania, Lake Maggiore and
Volterra.
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, who attended the jury
selection, said "today's nomination of the Italian cultural
capital for 2022 is a signal for the future for the (post_COVID)
recovery."
He said that in 2022, "we will have returned to normality and
culture and tourism will be once more important and very strong
as they were before the pandemic".
He said the selection every year "starts a virtuous and
attractive process, like for he Oscar candidates".
Procida Mayor Dino Ambrosino said "it is a huge joy, Procida is
a metaphor for so many communities who have rediscovered their
enthusiasm and pride for their area and want to redeem their
lands. We are certain that culture can be a detonator for the
strategic recovery plan for the recovery".
He added: "it is an extraordinary opportunity for a small
island, we will work hard to make Italy proud of this choice".
Minister for the South Giuseppe Provenzano tweeted "#Procida
Italian culture capital for 2022 is great news. Another example
of recovery, which, after Matera, arrives in Europe from the
South (of Italy)".
European Affairs Minister Enzo Amendola tweeted "it is a huge
opportunity for the island and (the surrounding) Campania
(region)."
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