These two distinctly different urban centers have one major thing in common: Both successfully navigated a rigorous screening process to earn the title 2014 European Capital of Culture.

Established in 1985, some say the result of an informal chat between Melina Mercouri, former Greek minister of culture, and Jacques Lang, former French minister of culture and education, today’s European Capital of Culture is a coveted title among E.U. nations. The European Commission, the European Union’s executive body tasked with overseeing the interests of Europe as a whole, directs the intense competition.

Dubbed “the gem of the Baltics,” Riga’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site is a nod to its architecture: The Latvian city boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings and showcases a veritable treasure chest of historic structures tracing its architectural heritage from 1201 to present day.

Riga officially opens its year in the spotlight on Jan. 17. The following day, residents and guests will symbolically connect old to new by forming a human chain to transfer books, hand to hand, from the city’s old National Library of Latvia to its new Gaismas Pils (Palace of Light) National Library. The event also heralds the debut of “The Book: 1514–2014,” a year-long exhibit celebrating 500 years of the printed word.

Other events throughout Riga’s reign as 2014 European Capital of Culture include a celebration of Richard Wagner’s bicentenary with a series of four operas at the Latvian National Opera, a reflection on the centennial of the start of World War I at the National Museum of Art, a full roster of plays staged at The Boulevard of Theatrical Collision and directed by five leading international directors, summer solstice festivities, the World Choir Games, a contemporary art festival, Staro Riga Light Festival and a sure-to-be-interesting exhibition at the Museum of Fateful Objects inviting Riga residents to display objects that have changed their lives or bear witness to their time.

Established in 1622, today’s Umeå remains a young, vibrant city. Home to Umeå University and the largest city in Norrland, or Northern Sweden, Umeå boasts a student population of 36,700; almost one-third of the city’s residents are students. It’s also a culturally diverse community with permanent residents representing close to 100 different nationalities. With such a diverse population, Umeå is known as an open-minded and tolerant city: a trait it’s ready to show the world as a 2014 European Capital of Culture.

Centered on the key word “co-creation,” Umeå celebrates its season in the sun with a series of programs produced by the city’s various cultural centers. The goal of the inclusionary program is to establish a foundation in 2014 while expanding the scope of the initiative into the future. Programs throughout the year have a dual purpose: to generate curiosity and encourage cross-cultural interaction, and to promote partnerships among the city’s diverse range of cultural institutions, the university, private enterprise, volunteer associations and public organizations.

Sound like fun? Take in the 2014 festivities in Riga and Umeå, then set your sights on Mons, Belgium, and Pilsen, Czech Republic — the 2015 European Capitals of Culture.