Often we encounter statements stating that Trenčín couldn't be the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) since it is not cultural enough, merely a small city in comparison to other large European cities, simply because it doesn't have the means to do so.
For us in Slovakia, the inner critic carries a particularly strong voice. Sometimes we do not feel good enough to get a position where we can demonstrate our potential. It also pulls us around to see many weaknesses and obstacles that prevent us from seeing what could actually await us.
Before the jury arrives, we want to boost the self-confidence of all the people in Trenčín and in the surrounding area. Through an information campaign in the streets of Trenčín and on social networks, we want to show clearly that the title of ECoC is very close to our grasp. Now we are in the final round together with the cities of Nitra and Žilina. In December we will find out which of the three Slovak cities will be the European Capital of Culture 2026.
Whether Trenčín will be the one - we are asking in all the EU's languages. Although we may feel that the European Union is distant from us, Trenčín remains a part of it and Europe is present in Trenčín too. Just like in any other city of the European Union.
We were helped with the translation by our international partners
We have reached out to our partner cities, friends and acquaintances from abroad to help us translate the sentence: "Will Trenčín be the one?". This is also how we wanted to raise the profile of Trenčín and its candidacy, but also to show that we do care about Europe.
The languages of the European Union reveal the diversity which we have in the European Union. It is not just different words, different grammar or completely different expressions that we use to say the simple sentence: "Will Trenčín be the one?" in different ways. Nor do we use the same script everywhere, we also use different diacritical systems, for example, in Spanish, there are actually two question marks.
And the EU is not a homogenous element. It is made up of diverse states with diverse cities, diverse Trenčíns. They have their history, their citizens, their monuments, their culture, their imperfections and their dreams and ambitions. They are often very similar to ours.
We hope to hear if the posters around town or visuals on social media have piqued your curiosity. For a breakdown of the languages in which they are written, check our website on November 26. Or be curious and look it up meanwhile.