| Holstebro | |
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| Skyline | |
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| Country | Denmark |
| Municipalities | Holstebro Municipality |
| Region | Region Midtjylland |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | H.C Østerby (A) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 34,241 |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Website | holstebro.dk |
Holstebro is the main town in Holstebro Municipality, Denmark. The town, bisected by the Storåen ("The Large Creek"), has a population of 34,241 (1 January 2011).[1]
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The town arose at a ford by the creek, and later a bridge was erected. The name probably derives from holdested ved broen (lit, "a resting place by the bridge").
Holstebro was first mentioned in a letter from Bishop Thyge of Ribe in 1274. A large fire in 1552 destroyed many of the town's old buildings.
The town is a trading, industrial and cultural center in western Jutland. It has a large network of pedestrian walkways (gågader) in the inner town that support a varied shopping environment beautifully enhanced by outdoor sculptures and picturesque buildings. The first sculpture purchased by Holstebro Municipality, and the cornerstone in their efforts to further cultural development in the town, is Alberto Giacometti's sculpture "Woman on the Cart" purchased in 1966.
Holstebro has a rich and varied cultural life; it hosted (1997 - 2009) the internationally recognized ballet company Peter Schaufuss Ballet; and still hosts the performance art theatre Odin Teatret. Several museums, including the Holstebro Art Museum with its collection of Danish and international contemporary art and the Holstebro Museum, can be found in the town.
The Holstebro Hall, rebuilt in 1966, houses a music theatre, the Holstebro Convention and Culture Center (1991) and provides space for theatre presentations, concerts, exhibitions and conventions. More than 100 cultural events occur here every year, and the hall is visited by more than 100,000 people annually. Holstebro Hall was recently renovated.
The town holds an annual culture festival, the Holstebro Festive Week, in late summer.
The town also has diversified industries, including the manufacture of processed food, iron and machinery, wood and furniture, textiles and chemicals.
The Jutland Dragoon Regiment (Jydske Dragonregiment), which can trace its history back to 1679 in the times of King Christian V, has made Holstebro its home since 1953. The regiment is Holstebro's largest place of work with more than 1,800 employees.
Canoeing and kayaking on the nearly 100 km long Storåen is popular during the summer and early autumn; it is allowed between June 15-October 31.
A Danish Scout Council Jamboree with 35,000 participants will be held near the town in July 2012.[2]
Holstebro is a founding member of the Douzelage, a unique town twinning association of 24 towns across the European Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals.[3][4] Discussions regarding membership are also in hand with three further towns (Agros in Cyprus, Škofja Loka in Slovenia, and Tryavna in Bulgaria).
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