"The city of the sun and the sea, the city of youth and culture, the city of joy and the Carnival is getting prepared to welcome the citizens of Europe, the citizens of the world. Patras, was named after Patreas, of the Ancient Greek Mythology. It is the city of the Apostle St. Andrew; a city that has shaped a unique multicultural identity throughout the centuries," its mayor, Andreas Karavolas, said in his message published on the city's web site.
In 2005, the Irish city of Cork was designated to be the European Capital of Culture. Last year, the city spent 13.5 million euros for cultural events. It is estimated that costs for cultural events in Patras will rise to 17.5 million euros.