Local authorities in Bratislava are promising grand New Year's Eve celebrations to mark Slovakia's adoption of the euro as of January 1, 2009, said Bratislava Mayor Andrej Ďurkovský at a press conference on December 10. Slovakia will become the 16th country to join the eurozone, and this year is also the 10th anniversary of Bratislava's New Year's Eve celebrations.
"This year, the celebrations are being sponsored not only by the private sector but also by the Slovak central bank (NBS)," Ďurkovský said.
"This will be a huge culmination after a long-term effort to be accepted into the eurozone. The euro will improve the living standards of all Slovak citizens," said NBS vice-governor Viliam Ostrožlík, adding that other Slovak towns and cities should also consider celebrating euro adoption along with New Year's Eve.
According to Ďurkovský, the celebrations in the centre of Bratislava will be one of the city’s main marketing products, especially for foreign visitors. Bratislava authorities are preparing entertainment in three areas in the Old Town: the Main Square, Hviezdoslavovo Square and Ľudovít Štur Square. Among the artists due to perform at the celebrations are jazz musician Peter Lipa, Jana Kocianová with her Traditional Band, Mária Podhradská and Richard Čanaky, groups Para, Hex, Puding pani Elvisovej, IMT Smile, Polemic and Jackpot Band, and Cuban music-dance group Azucar Cubana. The celebrations will begin at 18:30 on the Main Square and at 16:00 on Hviezdoslavovo Square. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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