The title European Capital of Culture has officially been awarded to Plovdiv Tuesday. 

The second biggest Bulgarian city will be sharing the title with the Italian city of Matera.  

'' This title is a true recognition for Plovdiv and gives a chance to Bulgaria to come forward and become more noticeable on the European map,'' said Ivan Totev, Mayor of Plovdiv. 

The official announcement was made at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the EU, held in Brussels Tuesday. 

Plovdiv was recognized for its realistic budget, original projects, as well as exceptionally strong artistic program. The jury, consisting of 13 foreign and local professionals, was highly impressed by the great ideas, positive outlook and the fast pace of project development. Sofia, Varna and Veliko Tarnovo also competed for the prestigious title in 2014.  

Meanwhile, the municipality of Plovdiv is in the process of preparing a celebration ceremony set to take place on May 23. A day prior to that the emblematic tourist attraction in town - The Singing Fountains will also be re-opened. 

Plovdiv largely impressed the jury not only with its cultural heritage and artistic endeavors, but also with the project ''Together''. It is set on uniting people of various backgrounds, generations and ethnic origins so that they can all contribute to the cultural development of the city.  

Additionally, another long-standing cultural project has already been launched. ''Kapana - neighborhood of art industries'' is a project that is set on attracting arts and crafts enterprises in the center of town. The ambitious plan involves restoration, preservation and further explore the emblematic for the history of the town location. 

A number of events will be taking place this year as a part of the cultural program in town - Opera Open to be held in the Ancient Theater ( June 19 - July 22), One Design Week ( 19-28 June), International Folklore Festival ( August 3-8), Street Masters 9 June 24-27), Plovdiv Reads ( June 8-14), Plovdiv Dances (June 6), International festival of Chamber Music (June 10-22), Film Nights in Filipopolis ( July 1-30), Theater Panorama of Comedy (June 3 - September 30) and many more.