Maribor was nominated for 2012 European Culture Capital. Slovenia's second largest city was recommended for the title by an international commission last year.

Each year, two European cities from two different countries are awarded the title and given the chance to showcase their cultural life and development.

Maribor Mayor Franc Kangler told the press that the city would experience an "explosion" of cultural events. He said the nomination was an award for Maribor's past efforts to become renowned for its culture. Kangler added the nomination was important for the entire country, since it will promote not only Maribor but Slovenia as well.

The motto of the joint bid of Maribor, Velenje, Slovenj Gradec, Ptuj, Murska Sobota and Novo mesto is "Pure Energy".

Maribor, whose programme includes five towns from northeastern and eastern Slovenia, will share the title with Portugal's Guimaraes.

In 2008, the cities of Liverpool (United Kingdom) and Stavanger (Norway) share the European Capital of Culture title.

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