Victoria Was Recommended As A European Capital Of Culture For 2031: Here’s What That Actually Means

Yesterday, Victoria, Gozo was recommended to become Malta’s European Capital of Culture for 2031, eight years after Valletta held the title in 2018.

But what does that actually mean for Gozo?

First things first, this is not simply a title given to Victoria for having a rich cultural history.

The European Capital of Culture is one of the European Union’s biggest cultural initiatives, with selected cities expected to create an extensive programme of events, projects and cultural activities involving local communities, artists and organisations, while also building connections with the rest of Europe.

So, has Victoria officially won?

Almost.

Victoria was recommended for the title on 23rd September by an independent European panel following the final selection process.

The recommendation must now be formally endorsed by the relevant Maltese authorities before Victoria is officially designated European Capital of Culture 2031.

Victoria was the only Maltese city to make it through to the final stage, after both Victoria and Birgu originally submitted bids in 2025.

What happens in 2031?

For an entire year, Victoria will sit at the centre of a major cultural programme involving artists, local communities, cultural organisations and European partners.

The Victoria 2031 bid is being developed around the theme “an Island of Islands”, focusing on how island communities can create stronger connections between people, places and the rest of Europe.

So expect 2031 to involve far more than a few festivals or concerts.

The programme can include exhibitions, performances, public art, community projects, international collaborations and other cultural initiatives spread across the year.

And what could this mean for Gozo itself?

Potentially, quite a lot.

European Capitals of Culture are designed not only to celebrate culture, but also to use it as a tool for the longer-term development of a city and its surrounding communities.

European Commission evaluations have linked previous editions with increases in cultural activity and tourism, stronger international cooperation, greater community participation and longer-term local development.

That means the impact could extend beyond Victoria itself, potentially bringing more visitors to Gozo, creating opportunities for local artists and businesses and encouraging investment in cultural spaces and infrastructure.

The size of that impact, however, will ultimately depend on how the programme is developed and delivered over the next five years.

Why 2031?

Different EU countries are selected to host European Capitals of Culture in different years.

In 2031, Malta and Spain will each have a European Capital of Culture. Spain currently has four shortlisted cities, Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Oviedo, with its final selection expected later this year.

For Malta, that city is now set to be Victoria.

It will make Victoria only the second Maltese city ever to hold the title, following Valletta in 2018.

So while 2031 might still sound far away, yesterday’s announcement effectively marks the beginning of a five-year journey to turn Victoria, and potentially Gozo more broadly, into one of Europe’s cultural focal points for an entire year.

#MaltaDaily