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2026-07-27 16:05 UTC → 2026-08-03 19:25 UTC ·
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In Since late June 2026, Granada and Cáceres intensified their campaigns 2026 the race for the 2031 European Capital of Culture. Granada secured endorsement from Culture has sharpened across Spain. Cáceres mayor Rafael Mateos promoted the city’s bid in a national interview, emphasizing its heritage and innovative projects, while the Andalusian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces and, on 17 July, the Confederación de Empresarios de Andalucía (CEA) unanimously backed the bid, citing expected economic and employment gains. By mid‑July, signed a declaration rallying support from all 770 Andalusian municipalities for Granada’s candidature. Granada entered the final assessment phase, with the decisive evaluation set for 30 November against Oviedo, Cáceres and Las Palmas. The candidature highlights a large Erasmus community and a strategic alliance with the Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla, aiming to leverage heritage sites such as the Alhambra and the Albaicín. On 18 July, Granada Confederación de Empresarios de Andalucía reaffirmed its preparation for the November assessment, emphasizing the CEA’s support and the bid’s potential unanimous endorsement, citing expected boosts to attract EU funding, tourism and private investment. A week later, Granada’s mayor tourism, investment and CSIC representatives announced jobs. Granada also released a revised Bid Book grouping projects under four themes: themes – democracy and inclusion, scientific heritage, extended creativity (linking science, art and technology), creativity, and environmental and peace initiatives. Planned activities include initiatives – with plans for science festivals, community labs and reduced ticket prices for at the Parque de las Ciencias. Simultaneously, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has been touring the Canary Islands, holding free public sessions to present its "Rebelión de la Geografía" concept and launch an open call for artists, cultural managers and innovators. Oviedo highlighted its "Pequeñas acciones por la ‘amabilidá’" programme, placing artists in schools and showcasing the bid at the Feria Internacional de Muestras de Asturias, while preparing a second dossier for the European jury before 3 November. In Córdoba, the socialist mayor called for urged the expropriation and rehabilitation of three summer cinemas to strengthen the city’s 2027 Mediterranean Capital of Culture bid, framing the move as a climate‑friendly cultural development. The evolving bids underscore a broader Spanish push to position multiple cities as cultural hubs through coordinated heritage promotion, innovative programming and strategic economic investments.