The two European Capitals of Culture chosen for 2011 are Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia. In intensive year-long programmes both cities highlight the richness of cultural diversity in Europe and bring the common aspects of European cultures to the fore. The opening ceremony of Tallinn 2011 was held on New Year's Eve; Turku will open the Capital of Culture year 2011 with a three-day weekend full of events and activities from 14 to 16 January 2011. The main theme of Tallinn is “Stories of the Seashore”. “In 2011, Tallinn begins the largest storytelling event in its history. Writers, musicians, artists and actors will tell, paint, sing and act tales inspired by the sea, speaking of Estonia and its people,” states the Tallinn 2011 website. “Simultaneously with the start of Capital of Culture we will also celebrate the introduction of the European joint currency, the Euro. No doubt, both these events affect everyone in Estonia,” underlines Jaanus Mutli, member of the board of Tallinn 2011 Foundation. “The main goals for Turku 2011 are well-being; internationalism; and the commercial export of creative enterprise and culture. The activities will be based on a wide definition of culture with the emphasis on the culinary arts, exercise and well-being, science and multicultural encounters and, of course, the creative arts,” states the Turku 2011 website. In a long-term goal, Turku aims to “be a city with a strong foundation in art and science and will be the creative hub of the Baltic Cooperation” by 2016. The European Capital of Culture is an initiative of the European Commission Each year, cities chosen as European Capitals of Culture provide living proof of the richness and diversity of European cultures. Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe. A city is not chosen as a European Capital of Culture solely for what it is, but mainly for what it plans to do for a year that has to be exceptional. Related links: • http://www.tallinn2011.ee • http://www.turku2011.fi • European Capital of Culture programme