Patricia del Pozo, the Minister of Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport in Andalucía, has expressed that "the candidacy of Granada for the European Capital of Culture in 2031 is an inspiration for all of Andalucía." Speaking at an informational breakfast organised by Ideal in collaboration with the Fundación Cajasol, she emphasised that "the aspiration of the city of Granada is now that of all of Andalucía, as it perfectly represents cultural and heritage excellence and the extraordinary talent of its people."
In her talk titled 'Granada: culture and Andalusian heritage for Europe', del Pozo highlighted that "the Granada 2031 candidacy must go beyond simply winning the award, which will be decided in a matter of days. It should serve to promote culture, strengthen our institutions, and enhance our international profile, as the truly important aspect will be the legacy it leaves in the city, the province, and the autonomous community. Granada undoubtedly has all the merits to achieve this."
Accompanied by the mayor Marifrán Carazo, the president of the Provincial Council of Granada, Francis Rodríguez, and the Minister of Housing, Youth and Territorial Articulation, Rocío Díaz, del Pozo reiterated that "culture is not only the heritage we inherit but also what we are capable of building and passing on to future generations. Granada has the privilege of safeguarding an exceptional legacy that can continue to enrich, from the present, the cultural heritage of Andalucía and Europe."
Del Pozo also pointed out that "such a treasure demands a commitment and greater effort from public servants responsible for its management and guardianship to match the talent and wealth of Granada and Andalucía," stressing the importance of ongoing dialogue and listening, as "I am very aware that the cultural sectors and agents in each territory know best where and how to prioritise resources and investments."
She underscored the unanimous backing from public and private institutions, including the Andalusian Parliament and the Junta de Andalucía, as one of the strengths of the proposal from the Granada City Council. "All together with enthusiasm and conviction, because Granada has an extraordinary cultural history, but it also has the talent, will, and capacity necessary to build an equally extraordinary cultural future," she stated.
Del Pozo concluded by saying, "We know that neither Granada nor Andalucía need any official recognition to confirm to the world the cultural and heritage richness they possess. However, it is true that holding such an award in a continent like Europe, characterised by the extraordinary richness and diversity of its heritage and the profound influence of its cultural legacy worldwide, is a true pride and privilege, and it will be a well-deserved distinction because Granada undoubtedly has the best candidacy."
The informational breakfast was attended by various dignitaries, including the government delegate of the Junta, Antonio Granados; the president of the Fundación Cajasol, Antonio Pulido; the deputy minister of Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport, Macarena O'Neill; the general secretary of Creative Sectors, Museums and Cultural Assets, José Ángel Vélez; the general secretary of Historical Heritage and Cultural Infrastructures, María del Mar Sánchez Estrella; the general secretary for Sport, Isabel Sánchez; the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Gerardo Cuerva Valdivia; the vice-rector of University Extension, Heritage and Institutional Relations of the University of Granada, Margarita Sánchez; the vice-president of the Granada Confederation of Entrepreneurs, Pilar Caracuel; the director general of Ideal, Antonio González; and the editorial director of the publication, Quico Chirino, who served as the event's presenter, along with numerous representatives from Granada's business and cultural sectors.
