The town hall of Arnedo has officially accepted an invitation from the municipality of Chancay in Peru to collaborate in the international drawing, painting, and creativity competition titled 'Trazos que nos unen: Chancay, Villa de Arnedo and Arnedo'. This cultural initiative is directed at children, adolescents, and young people from Arnedo and aims to promote cultural exchange between the two towns, enhance understanding of their respective traditions and identities, and foster new friendships, potentially paving the way for future cooperation or even institutional ties.
The historical connection between Arnedo and Chancay dates back to 14 December 1562, when the viceroy Diego López de Zúñiga y Velasco, Count of Nieva and Lord of Arnedo, founded Chancay under the name 'Villa de Arnedo'. This historical bond remains a significant aspect of the Peruvian town's identity.
The competition is open to children and young people in Arnedo, who will participate in three age groups. There are two categories: painting and cultural and creative design. The central theme for submissions will be 'My city, my culture, and the friendship that unites us'. Participants can draw inspiration from cultural heritage, traditions and customs, landscapes and monuments, cultural diversity, peace and cooperation between peoples, or the friendship between Chancay and Arnedo.
The deadline for submissions is set for 4 December 2026. Participation will be exclusively digital, meaning that all works must be created and submitted in digital format.
Prizes will be awarded in each category, and the Asociación Amigos de Arnedo will assist in promoting this initiative among educational institutions and art teachers in the city, as well as in the development of the project and the award ceremony.
This initiative aims to strengthen ties between Chancay and Arnedo through art and to enhance mutual understanding among their youth. As explained by Paco from the Asociación Amigos de Arnedo, who visited Chancay in 2024, the historical name of Villa de Arnedo remains prominent in the Peruvian town, where connections to Diego López de Zúñiga y Velasco are preserved in various institutional spaces and elements. This first initiative seeks to lay the groundwork for future cultural collaborations and to continue strengthening the historical and human bonds between the two locations.
