The regional minister for education, culture and universities, Carmen Ortí, officially presented Torrevieja with the distinction accrediting it as Valencian Cultural Capital 2025 this Sunday. The recognition from the Generalitat honours the cultural trajectory of the municipality, as well as the ongoing dedication of its associations, community groups, institutions and cultural professionals, despite the cancellation of traditional cultural events once held in the town, and the significant reductio of others, and despite the failure of the direction towards large music festivals in their place, oblivious, it would seem, to the often sell-out classical concerts held in the auditorium.
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, collected the award on behalf of the town during an official gala hosted at the Teatro Municipal. The ceremonial event was jointly organised by the Institut Valencià de Cultura (IVC) and Torrevieja Town Council.
During her address, Carmen Ortí noted that the distinction acknowledges a reality where the town has placed culture at the core of public life, sustaining an intensive schedule of events throughout the entire year and turning its diversity into a cultural strength. She particularly underscored the vital contributions made by local cultural entities, arts academies and musical bands across the municipality.
The regional minister highlighted the presence of a wide-ranging network of cultural venues, groups and professionals that help bring artistic events to residents while maintaining consistent programming across every season.
The Valencian Cultural Capital designation is an annual accolade awarded to municipalities that position culture as an engine for economic growth, social unity and tourism promotion. The status fosters closer cooperation with local councils to deliver live performances, exhibitions and performing arts initiatives directly to members of the public.
The award also celebrates Torrevieja’s distinct cultural hallmarks, including the Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía, the Concurso Nacional de Teatro and the regular activities staged by local music bands. These elements form part of a broader artistic offer that unites symphonic music, choral habaneras, theatre, opera and festivals, centred on key cultural landmarks such as the Teatro Municipal and the Auditorio Internacional.
In relation to these traditions, Ortí offered special praise for the Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía, describing it as a cultural event that has united generations and carried the reputation of the town far beyond its borders as an essential pillar of local heritage.
Representatives from more than 40 cultural entities attended the gala, which included live performances from the music conservatory, the choral school and the dance academy. Prior to the main event, the foyer of the Teatro Municipal hosted an exhibition presented by the photography school and salt craft artisans.
Speaking at the ceremony, the regional minister emphasised that the cultural capital title represents a new starting point rather than a finish line. She remarked that it must serve to consolidate cultural initiatives across Torrevieja, engage new audiences, reinforce the community arts sector and continue showcasing the town as one of the leading cultural hubs in the Valencian Community.