Latest news with #CreativeCitiesNetwork
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Fire alert in Portugal holiday hotspots
A number of districts in Portugal are currently on 'high alert' due to the heightened risk of wildfires, with the warning set to remain in place until the weekend Several areas across Portugal have been placed on the highest level of alert for wildfires, according to updates from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on Thursday, July 10. It comes just weeks after the country recorded its hottest temperature ever. The wildfire warning emphasised that residents in various areas in the North, Centre and Algarve regions should also be especially cautious as these areas will continue to be on high and medium alerts all weekend. Currently, Bragança, Guarda and Viseu, are the only areas on the maximum alert level, a significant climbdown from July 10 when over 20 municipalities faced the highest risk of wildfires. Bragança, increasingly popular with tourists, boasts a renowned medieval castle and is near the expansive Montesinho Natural Park. Guarda, the loftiest city in Portugal, offers breathtaking views. Viseu, known for its charming cobbled streets, serves as a gateway to the Dao wine region. Castelo Branco is recognised as part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. While the current warnings are anticipated to be downgraded over the weekend, by mid-July nearly half of Portugal is expected to be under the highest alert level. The IPMA categorises wildfire risks into five levels: low, moderate, high, very high, and highest. Earlier this week, the UK Foreign Office issued a warning about the dangers of wildfires in Portugal, as reported by the Mirror. The advisory cautioned: "There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. "Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons." With the risk level raised, even accidental fires could result in severe fines or imprisonment for those responsible. This ban extends to casual bonfires, barbecues, fire stoves, fumigation, and any use of rockets or balloons with live fuses. The Mirror highlighted that visitors heading to areas prone to wildfires in Portugal should: Follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities Dial 112 to alert emergency services if you spot a fire Get acquainted with local safety measures and emergency procedures Check the fire risk index for your location Portugal typically experiences heightened wildfire activity from April to October due to its hot, dry summer climate. Although there haven't been any major fires reported this year, the first half of the year saw over 3,000 fire incidents, resulting in more than 8,000 hectares of land being scorched. In late June, mainland Portugal experienced a record-breaking temperature of 46.6C, as reported by Euro News. The country's Directorate-General for Health has also noted 284 deaths during the current heatwave.
Maroc
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Maroc
Essaouira to Host UNESCO's 2026 Creative Cities Conference
Morocco's Essaouira will host the 18th session of the 2026 Annual Conference of the Creative Cities Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN organization announced on Monday. According to a UNESCO press release, this decision was taken following an online vote by the network's member cities, during which Essaouira garnered the highest number of votes among the candidate cities. Essaouira thus becomes 'the first city in Africa and the Arab world to host the Network's annual conference'. Since its selection in 2019 as a Creative City in the field of music, Essaouira has stood out through 'its commitment to the cultural and creative sectors, with a particular focus on music', the UN institution notes, citing emblematic festivals such as Gnaoua, World Music and Jazz sous l'Arganier (Jazz under the Argan tree) as testimony to the 'cultural richness of Essaouira, a crossroads city where local traditions interweave into a profoundly multifaceted identity'. The annual UNESCO Creative Cities Conference is a major platform for the 350 member cities to 'exchange ideas, share best practices and strengthen international cooperation on culture and sustainable urban development'. According to the same source, the 2026 edition in Essaouira will focus among other topics on the sustainability of policies and actions in favor of the cultural and creative industries at local level. It will also be a unique opportunity to highlight 'the rich cultural heritage and vibrant creativity of this Moroccan city'. UNESCO's collaboration with Essaouira in hosting this conference is part of bolstering and promoting UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. It also serves as a follow-up to the Mondiacult 2025 World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, as well as a step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, namely SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, the press release concludes. MAP: 30 June 2025
Morocco World
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
UNESCO Picks Essaouira as Hosts of 2026 Creatives Cities Network Conference
Marrakech – In a decision that echoes across the shores of Morocco and the cultural capitals of the world, UNESCO has officially announced that the windswept city of Essaouira will host the 18th Annual Session of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference in 2026. The vote, cast digitally by member cities of the Creative Cities Network, came to a resounding conclusion: Essaouira emerged not just as a contender, but as the clear favorite. Since 2019, when the city was designated a UNESCO Creative City in the field of Music, Essaouira has played its part with flair — proving that creativity isn't a luxury, but a lifeline. Nestled between the Atlantic and the desert, Essaouira pulses with rhythm. From the hypnotic beat of Gnaoua to the improvisational grace of jazz beneath the argan trees, music has become both the city's signature and its soul. This is not simply a place where traditions are preserved — it's a city where traditions evolve, blend, and burst into life. The UNESCO Creative Cities Conference brings together more than 350 cities worldwide, each representing a unique expression of culture and creativity — from gastronomy to design, from media arts to crafts. The 2026 edition in Essaouira will focus on a theme yet to be unveiled, but its core mission remains: to champion sustainable local cultural policies and global cooperation. Beyond panels and policy, the conference promises to spotlight the very spirit of Essaouira: a city where ancient medinas, Jewish quarters, and coastal breezes whisper stories of coexistence, exchange, and imagination. UNESCO's collaboration with Essaouira is more than symbolic. It aligns with global efforts like MONDIACULT 2025 and supports the pursuit of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 11, which envisions inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. In 2026, the world won't just come to Essaouira for a conference. It will come to experience a city of winds, words, and wonder — where creativity doesn't just live. It soars. Tags: essaouiraMoroccoUNESCO
News18
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Lucknow's Food Scene Might Just Be India's Next UNESCO Gastronomic Gem
Last Updated: Lucknow has been officially nominated to be included in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy. Here's what it means. Known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow has been the undisputed king of mouth-watering Awadhi cuisine. From kebab and korma to flavourful biryani and delightful sweets, one can't ignore Lucknow's indulgent recipes and hearty flavours. Now, the city is gearing up to add a feather in its cap, as its rich culinary heritage has been nominated for the title of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the gastronomy category. As per the Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow, Roshan Jacob, the Indian government has put forward the city's name for this renowned and prestigious tag, reported Hindustan Times. 'We have to provide some more data by the end of June, following which UNESCO authorities may visit to verify our claims. The state capital is famous for a wide range of Awadhi delicacies, and food buffs both from India and abroad have been talking about it for a long time now. The city's food scene is an endless treasure of delicious dishes that will tantalise your taste buds," he added. Mumbai-based consultant Abha Narain Lambah played a key role in putting together a detailed dossier about Lucknow's gastronomic heritage. The entire effort is closely monitored by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture and Tourism. If you thought the state capital was a non-veg haven and is only known for its Tunday and Kakori Kebab, let us tell you that the nomination highlights vegetarian offerings like Bajpai ki Puri and Durga Ke Khaste, among others. Not just this, Lucknow's famous sweets like motichur ke laddu, malai paan, jalebi and imarti are also in the much-loved dishes list. Chaat And Street Foods: From pani ke batashe to basket chaat, Lucknow's street food scene is a delight for vegetarians and street food lovers alike. Khasta, Kachauri, and Bajpai Ki Puri: For your evening and teatime munching, these crispy snacks are definitely a must-have. Sweets: No trip to this city is complete without tasting the sweets. If you are visiting Lucknow, you have to try the delicious malai paan, jalebi, motichur ke laddu and imarti with rabri. What Is The UNESCO Creative City Network? Established back in 2004, UCCN celebrates cities that have shown exceptional creativity in arts, culture and, in this case, food. India already has Chennai and Hyderabad for gastronomy in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. If approved, Lucknow will soon join this elite list. First Published: June 13, 2025, 10:41 IST
NDTV
08-06-2025
- NDTV
Lucknow Chosen As India's Candidate For UNESCO Gastronomic Creative City
Known as the "City of Nawabs," Lucknow has long been famous for its rich history, royal culture, and most importantly, its mouthwatering Awadhi cuisine. Now, this historic city is making a big move to put its culinary heritage on the global map by officially applying to join UNESCO's 'Creative Cities Network' (UCCN) under the category of Gastronomy. Established in 2004, UCCN celebrates cities that have shown exceptional creativity in culture, arts, and, in this case, food. Lucknow's unique Awadhi cuisine, with its slow-cooked kebabs, aromatic biryanis, and delightful sweets, perfectly fits the bill. According to Roshan Jacob, Lucknow's Divisional Commissioner, the city has been nominated by India for this prestigious tag, as per a report in the Hindustan Times. Now, the team is gathering more detailed information to submit by the end of June. If everything goes well, UNESCO experts might visit Lucknow soon to see the city's culinary culture firsthand. Mumbai-based consultant Abha Narain Lambah played a key role in putting together a detailed dossier about Lucknow's gastronomic heritage. The entire effort is closely monitored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. What Makes Lucknow's Food So Special? Lucknow's food identity is deeply rooted in its royal past, where Nawabs and their chefs perfected dishes that continue to wow food lovers today. While the city is famous as a paradise for meat lovers, it also serves up an array of vegetarian dishes and snacks that make it a well-rounded food capital. Some iconic names and dishes from Lucknow include: Tunday Kebabs: Arguably the crown jewel of Lucknow's non-veg cuisine, these melt-in-your-mouth minced meat kebabs are legendary. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but the taste speaks for itself. Kakori Kebabs: Another delicacy, these are named after the town of Kakori but are inseparable from Lucknow's food scene. Awadhi Biryani: Unlike other versions, Awadhi biryani is subtle and aromatic, cooked with layers of marinated meat and fragrant rice. Chaat And Street Foods: From basket chaat to paani ke batashe (water-filled hollow puris), Lucknow's street food scene is a delight for vegetarians and spice lovers alike. Khasta, Kachauri, And Bajpai Ki Puri: These crispy snacks are perfect for teatime munching. Sweets: No visit to Lucknow is complete without indulging in motichur ke laddu, malai paan, jalebi, and imarti with rabri. The UP government's tourism and culture departments are actively promoting this culinary diversity. The aim is to showcase Lucknow as a city that not only leads in non-veg delights but also charms vegetarians with its unique street foods and sweets. Lucknow already attracts nearly 48 million tourists every year, many of whom come eager to explore the city's famed food courts and street stalls. Major events like the G20 Summit and the UP Investors Summit have given a global boost to the city, with international leaders enjoying its culinary richness. For the unversed, India already has five other cities - Chennai, Hyderabad (for Gastronomy), Varanasi, Jaipur, and Mumbai - in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Each has been chosen for their unique cultural contributions. Lucknow hopes to join this elite list soon.
