The Mayor of Toledo, Carlos Velasquez, stressed the importance of cooperation between departments, entities and citizens “as a fundamental pillar.” European Capital of Culture 2031».
During the awards ceremony 13th COPE Castilla-La Mancha Awards … “The key to success is institutional cooperation, loyalty and the union of all so that this project can move forward, which is only possible thanks to the joint commitment of all departments, private entities, groups and media in the region,” Velasquez noted.
He also highlighted the regional nature of the candidacy, “a project that goes beyond the city, goes beyond the province and overcomes barriers, extending to the entire Castilla-La Mancha.”
He also appreciated the importance of institutional continuity, pointing out that this project “transcends borders, legislative councils, and the people, and has a high vision and outlook around the city.” One example of this, he noted, is the restoration of the Rico Salon in Coral de Don Diego, a project that has gone through various stages of the government and has proven “to be a model of success.”
The Mayor also pointed to the great progress in strategic projects for the restoration of urban heritage, such as the “Toledo Emerg” as an example of the restoration of abandoned spaces, “it is currently the best project in all of Spain in historical centres”, highlighting among them the work on the Alamillos del Transit building, “which will allow to provide the city with new homes, parking spaces and a large public square dedicated to culture and coexistence”.
Likewise, Velasquez noted that Toledo is currently completing its recognition as a European City of Sport, a distinction that has made it possible to promote healthy living habits among citizens, “with which we get better people, and with better people we build better cities, an equation that does not fail.”
In this sense, as with sport, the mayor highlighted the transformative power of culture, “an instrument of transformation, certainly the most positive of all,” and for this reason he defended that Toledo should aspire to the maximum because “it deserves nothing less.”
He finally expressed his confidence in the nomination, but also in the value of the path he has taken, “We hope that we will achieve it, and if we do not achieve it, the way will be paved and we are already achieving very important things to improve the culture and the city of Toledo.”
Award to the Toledo City Association
The Mayor also received one of the awards given at the 13th Cope Castilla-La Mancha Awards, namely President of the Toledo City Union. Award for this organization’s work in rehabilitating abandoned homes and buildings in the historic center of Toledo.
Velasquez received the award accompanied by Inspector General of the Ministry of Finance, Angel Esteban; Regional Delegate for the Development of the Castilla-La Mancha Community Council, Jorge Moreno; Toledo County Council spokesperson Soledad de Frutos; And the director of the consortium, Jesús Coroto.
Castilla La Mancha Cup Awards
The awards at this 13th edition went to Toledo singer-songwriter Barbara Ballesteros, “Noor.” Semillas de Kivu documentary; the architect Miguel Ángel Sánchez, founder of the Tagus and Albereche Defense Platform; “Potter’s Gold” bullfighting competition in Velaseca de la Sagra; Publishing project “Science gives the message”; painter Tony Riolo; College of Veterinarians of Toledo; Narea Productions Theater in Ciudad Real; Craftsman Luis Velasco; athlete Maria Farrow; Valkyr Laboratories; Toledo City Union; Pedro Sitoler Dental Clinic; Pantoja Sports and Social Inclusion Advisor, Celia Castellanos and the 800th Anniversary of the Primate Cathedral of Spain.