People participate in the opening ceremony of the  at the main square in Pecs, southwestern Hungary, on Jan. 10, 2010. The European Union's Capitals of Culture for 2010 are Essen of Germany, Pecs of Hungary and Istanbul of Turkey. (Xinhua/Dorko Dani) Photo Gallery>>>

    PECS, Hungary, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Pecs, a southern Hungarian city with a history of 2,000 years, officially became one of the three European Capitals of Culture for 2010 on Sunday.

    Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai inaugurated the city's year at a grand ceremony with the participation of more than 10,000 local residents.

    The prime minister said it was "a great honor for Pecs and Hungary" that the Hungary's fifth largest city became one of the EU Capitals of Culture for the year, along with Istanbul of Turkeyand Essen of Germany.

    "Pecs is now written large on the map of Europe," Bajnai said, "The city will be Hungary's shop window for the year."

    Pecs' mayor Zsolt Pava said the city, which lies halfway between Essen and Istanbul, was "a bridge city, whose history has been influenced by both German and Turkish cultures."

    Pecs, home to about 160,000 people, is located 228 km south of Budapest. It is the first Hungarian city to be crowned European culture capital since the title was first awarded in 1985.

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the "Pecs 2010" cultural capital event at the main square in Pecs, southwestern Hungary, on Jan. 10, 2010.(Xinhua/Dorko Dani) Photo Gallery>>>

    Placido Domingo, patron of the Pecs 2010 program, described Pecs as "a city where both ancient Christianity and Islam have left their traces, a city which has been home to the artistic geniuses Csontvary and Vasarely, as well as several founders of the famous art school Bauhaus and a city where numerous ethnic groups live harmoniously side by side."

    History has left its mark of 2000 years on Pecs, with traces of the Romans, early Christians, Turks, Germans, Slavs and Magyars visible around the city in its buildings and people.

    Cultural relics, such as the Early Christian Cemetery, Mosque, minaret, Turkish chapel and the relics of Bauhaus architecture, all add to the charm of the city.

    Pecs' appeal also lies in its sub-mediterannean climate, fine wines and its bustling street life.

    Over 400 events will be held in Pecs in 2010, with the focus on visual arts, classical music, folk culture, contemporary dance and theater. 

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the "Pecs 2010" cultural capital event at the main square in Pecs, southwestern Hungary, on Jan. 10, 2010.(Xinhua/Dorko Dani) Photo Gallery>>>