Culture as Transformation engine for the city. Art as a catalyst and driver for projects. The past as a bridge to the future. Seven Spanish cities aspiring to become European Capital of Culture in 2031 And between … they, Two Andalusians. Granada and sherry. They both have a tremendous heritage, a very transcendent tangible and emotional heritage in the making of Andalusian peculiarities.
European Capital of Culture Initiative Started in 1985 It contributes to assessing the richness, diversity and common characteristics of European cultures.
In Spain they held this title San Sebastian, Madrid, Santiago and SalamancaWithout having yet had the opportunity to give this importance to the south of the country and the continent. But this qualification is more about what will be than about what was. With the opportunity it offers to organize cultural resources, promote and/or unify the brand, linked to a sustainable concept such as culture, and transform the city.
Granada and Jerez started this race with Burgos, Cáceres, Toledo, Las Palmas and Oviedo. In 2027, the decision will be published
Granada and Jerez started this race together Burgos, Cáceres, Toledo, Las Palmas and Oviedo, In 2027, the decision will be published. They are two very different candidates.
Stone and soul
The Nasrid capital has Giant architectural and historical heritagel, with the Alhambra as a global symbol of cultural integration, in addition to Albacene and Sacromonte.
The city of Cadiz is holding on to it Soul to your soulTo its intangible and invisible dwarf that takes shape in its people. The cradle and home of flamenco, its equestrian tradition (which includes the Royal Andalusian Horse School) and its brand of wine, sherry, give it valuable international exposure.
Europe strongly values diversity. Granada, the last stronghold of the Islamic era, has a rich Jewish heritage that can be seen in the Realejo neighborhood, The tomb of the Catholic Kings is a melting pot of cultures. Jerez contains a great example of Insert like gypsy people Specifically through art.
Both were widely used in their nomination a class. Granada has compiled more than 1,300 citizen proposals collected in a process with the University of Granada (Medialab UGR) and the City Council. Jerez has achieved something unthinkable in bloc Spain: all the municipal councils in the province, of all political colours, have come together to support it and it will have its place. This unity is its greatest guarantee because it is a dispersed land divided into three poles.
Granada has the snows of the Sierra Nevada less than an hour away, by which time you can also reach the coast. It’s a city with services, but it’s not too big, it’s easily manageable, and it’s a friendly city. Jerez wakes up every day just a few kilometers from some of the best beaches in Spain and enjoys the rich landscape and gastronomy of the Grazalema mountain range.
Union of Municipalities
Both projects are led by two women. Marifran Carazo He has accelerated the process, and since his arrival he has certainly promoted it. It managed to get all the institutions pulling in the same direction: the county council, the central government, the hospitality association, the business association, the chamber of commerce and, most importantly, the rapid support of the 174 municipalities in the county.
Maria Jose Garcia Pelayo He led the nomination with broad public participation. The strength is that city councils and Cádiz province mayors have become big advocates. It is not easy in a region as dispersed and heterogeneous as Cádiz, with three very strong centers: the Gulf, Jerez, the northwest coast and Campo Gibraltar.
The two cities were able to bring together all the city’s forces and received the support of the municipalities of their governorates
They both want, want, and even need this announcement. For Medina Nasriya, this means stability and an attempt to regain lost ground in the cultural sphere. In recent decades, Granada has seen Malaga overtake it with the opening of museums such as:Thyssen, Pompidou, Picasso… It needs to be updated in many cultural aspects, beyond the Alhambra and the omnipresence of García Lorca or the presence of Falla, because it has so much street, modern, vibrant and emerging culture that needs space.
Jerez suffered in her body Times of ongoing crises The weak debts prevented it from developing its infrastructure and equipment, and this support would allow this Rearrange all those resources Orienting a new city based on culture. These investments will be key to rehabilitating spaces, creating training programs and strengthening cultural networks that will last beyond 2031.
They punish those who are deficient infrastructure, Because the quality and capacity of airports, and expensive communications, prevent its growth. AVE arrives very late in Granada and does not even appear in Jerez. There are insurmountable things that are beyond the capacity of the candidates, but they can be reversed with this appointment, or at least some of the shortcomings mitigated.
December 28 is the deadline for submission to the Ministry of Culture Final documents of filtration.
The premiere is expected to take place between February and March Final appointment in 2027. Granada and Jerez are ready and convinced that this wonderful opportunity cannot be escaped. It is recognition, it is pride, and above all, it is a great opportunity for transformation.