Today, Mayor Carolina Darias travels to Madrid with a ten-person delegation to defend Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's bid for European Capital of Culture 2031 before an international panel of experts.
The city has been working on this candidacy for two years. The slogan: "What if living on an island were a way of living in the world?"
Nine Cities Competing
The competition: Palma de Mallorca, Granada, Toledo, Oviedo, Burgos, Cáceres, Jerez de la Frontera and Potries (Valencia). The shortlisted finalists are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The European Capital of Culture is awarded annually by the EU — bringing international attention, funding and a significant economic boost. Previous Spanish holders: Madrid (1992), Santiago de Compostela (2000), Salamanca (2002), San Sebastián (2016).
Cultural Scene Gets Ready
The Cabildo de Gran Canaria has passed an official support manifesto. Initiatives like "Jam en la Plaza" — open music jam sessions in public squares — have been accompanying the candidacy for months. Over 50 artists and 500 spectators have participated so far.
For tourists and residents, winning the title would be a huge gain: international visibility and a multi-year cultural programme. CITA News will report as soon as the finalists are confirmed. More on the bid: laspalmasgc.es