Gevgelija has been designated the City of Culture for 2025, an honor celebrated with an opening ceremony and various cultural events. Minister Ljutkov congratulated the city’s residents, acknowledging their contribution to making Gevgelija a vibrant and culturally rich place.

The designation presents an opportunity to bolster the local cultural landscape, draw larger audiences, foster collaborations, and establish Gevgelija as a prominent cultural hub. The initiative encourages artistic expression, innovative ideas, youth engagement, and cultural tourism, highlighting the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

Ljutkov emphasized Gevgelija’s role as a significant tourist destination where culture and tourism are intertwined. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will prioritize not only cultural endeavors but also the advancement of transit and wine tourism, integral components of the region’s identity.

Gevgelija’s strategic location positions it as a gateway to experience the nation’s cultural distinctiveness through its cuisine, art, wine, and hospitality. The Ministry intends to support initiatives that integrate culture and tourism, creating contemporary narratives rooted in tradition. Plans include linking local wineries with cultural events, developing new cultural-tourist itineraries, and converting transit passengers into tourists who can promote the nation’s culture.

The opening of “Gevgelija City of Culture for 2025” featured a performance by the National Jazz Orchestra on the City Square. The orchestra, led by Džijan Emin, presented reimagined Macedonian and international hits. Additionally, Ana Mitevska’s solo exhibition, “Stories in Turquoise – Source of Life,” was inaugurated at the Art Gallery of the NI Museum-Gevgelija.