The cities of Jerez and Victoria (Gozo, Malta) are working together towards becoming European Capitals of Culture in 2031. A decisive step was taken yesterday with an official twinning ceremony in Rabat Città Victoria, presided over by the mayor of Gozo’s capital, Brian Azzopardi, and the mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo. They formalized this deep institutional relationship between the two cities, which, in this case, was initiated by the efforts and work of the Ateneo of Jerez.
Thus, the twinning between Jerez and Vitoria represents another step for both territories in their goal of becoming European Capital of Culture in 2031. During the twinning ceremony, held at the Rabat Città-Victoria City Hall, the mayor of Jerez emphasized that “both municipalities want to be European Capital of Culture and we are working with great enthusiasm,” and highlighted that events like this one, promoted by the Ateneo de Jerez, “help us take another step towards that coveted title. We believe that, with this objective, we will undergo social transformation and become better cities and, therefore, better citizens. Furthermore, it will, of course, be a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into our culture, our roots, and offer the world a diverse culture.”
In this context, Mayor García-Pelayo praised the work carried out by the Jerez Athenaeum, highlighting the efforts of its president, Gustavo Cordero, stating that “people like you are what make it worthwhile to fight so hard for a great city like ours.”
For his part, Brian Azzopardi expressed his hope that “Jerez will be the Spanish city to join Victoria as the European Capital of Culture in 2031” and emphasized that “this twinning is not just an agreement on paper, but a promise to work together, to share cultures and friendship as a force for change and experience,” adding that “true progress is not measured in buildings or technology, but in how a city welcomes all its people without exclusion.”
The twinning ceremony took place within a broad cultural program held in Gozo as part of the ‘Culture PIE’ project, co-financed by the European Union. The Gozo Regional Council offered activities designed to share the island’s natural and cultural heritage with the people of Jerez, as well as others that, as intangible heritage, promote the inclusion and integration of the immigrant population residing on the island. These included folk music performances resulting from the work developed within the framework of this project, which focuses on themes such as gender equality and empowerment. of women and the integration of migrant communities.
Prior to the signing of the twinning agreement, the mayor of Jerez participated in a meeting with entities, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers from Victoria, as well as a presentation by the main social and cultural associations of Gozo and their work promoting the inclusion and equality of the migrant population.