Linz vs. Vilnius – Linz is Europe’s 2009 Capital of Culture!
Press Release
Friday 3 April 2009
The hotly-contested best-of-five “Linz vs. Vilnius” showdown turned out to be a real nail-biter. The contest was deadlocked after the first four events—literature, history, music and language—which meant that superior cuisine would be the decisive criterion for bragging rights to the title of Europe’s one, true 2009 Capital of Culture.
Messrs. Juhann and Jod served up two hearty delicacies to do battle on the contenders’ behalf: a slab of lunchmeat on a kaiser roll for Linz and garlic bread for Vilnius. In an amusing cooking-show-like performance, the evening’s moderators explained the appetizing origins of Austria’s beloved ur-Spam and demonstrated how to prepare Lithuania’s classic garlic sticks. Audience members got to taste both of these culinary delights along with various products of the two countries’ breweries and distilleries before casting their final vote to decide the match.
Culture is ultimately a matter of taste, and it was precisely in this spirit that Messrs. Juhann and Jod tantalizingly prolonged the suspense leading up to the announcement so eagerly awaited by all. Accordingly, an outburst of wild jubilation filled the 15th floor of Linz’s Wissensturm when Frau Dr. Schwarzmayr was finally presented with the official document certifying Linz as Europe’s 2009 Capital of Culture.
The evening culminated in a celebration dedicated to Vilnius and Linz featuring merry music from both countries. And that’s just how the rest of the Capital of Culture year should—and will—proceed. We’re looking forward to lots more fun!
