The Alcázar of Jerez hosted a working session today for nearly one hundred cultural, social, and educational associations from Jerez and Rabat Citta Victoria (Malta). Through workshops and specialized roundtables, the associations aimed to promote cultural projects that foster the values of inclusion, diversity, participation, and equality. The initiative, which was attended by the mayors of both cities (María José García-Pelayo and Brian Azzopardi, respectively), is part of the bid process to become European Capital of Culture 2031 and takes place on the eve of the official twinning ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.
In this context, and with the support of the Jerez Athenaeum, Rabat Citta Victoria signed the twinning agreement between the two cities last November, thus strengthening institutional ties and cultural collaborations between the two municipalities in their bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2031.
García-Pelayo expressed her gratitude for the presence of the Maltese delegation in Jerez, as well as to the Jerez Athenaeum, which she described as the “soul” of this relationship. “We are now renewing the twinning of two Mediterranean cities with a rich cultural tradition, sharing experiences from both municipalities thanks to the many organizations that allow us to strengthen ties and mutual understanding, and above all, the opportunity to demonstrate to Europe that we are two cities that protect and cherish their roots while also looking to the future,” the mayor emphasized during her speech.
For his part, Brian Azzopardi, mayor of Victoria, said, “We are part of a shared project, with similar characteristics. I want to thank the stars that aligned to make this twinning possible, facilitated by the Ateneo, which will allow for a future relationship between both cities regardless of their bids for European Capital of Culture.”
This intensive day of work included the participation of numerous cultural and social associations from Jerez and Victoria, strengthening the twinning of the two cities. These included Pequeño Orfeo, Jerez Club Deportivo, Jerez Deportivo Futbol Club, Hogar La Salle, Teatro El Ateneo, Scout La Salle, Proyecto Hombre, Musicry, Camerata del Ateneo de Jerez, Siloé, and the Villamarta Theater Choir. Also present were various representatives from the municipal governments of both cities, such as Deputy Mayor Agustín Muñoz and Antonio Real, and Jerez City Council delegates Francisco Zurita, Carmen Pina, and Yessica Quintero.