Macastre and Torrevieja Named Valencian Cultural Capitals 2025
Conselleria confirms recognition in DOGV – Macastre (small municipalities category) and Torrevieja (large municipalities category) won top scores and will carry the title until the next call in 2026.
What the designation means
The Conselleria de Educación, Cultura, Universidades y Empleo has published in the Diari oficial de la Generalitat Valenciana (DOGV) the resolution recognizing Macastre and Torrevieja as the official Capitales Culturales Valencianas 2025. The recognition highlights each municipality’s cultural proposals and rewards the strongest candidacies in two population brackets: towns under 5,000 inhabitants and towns over 5,000 inhabitants.
Why Macastre and Torrevieja were chosen
Both towns received the highest score among the applications submitted in their respective categories:
- Macastre – Selected in the category for municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
- Torrevieja – Selected in the category for municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants.
The awards recognize not only cultural programming but also proposals that demonstrate how culture can act as a motor for social cohesion, local development and economic activity.
Goals of the Capital Cultural Valenciana program
The programme aims to:
- Give visibility to cultural life throughout the Comunitat valenciana
- Decentralise cultural offerings beyond major urban centres
- Foster social cohesion and local identity through shared cultural projects
- Stimulate local economic development and create tourism-linked cultural activity
- Encourage business and entrepreneurial activity tied to culture
commitment from the Generalitat
The recognition includes an official award ceremony and the organisation of cultural activities by the Conselleria in both localities. Additionally,Macastre and Torrevieja may use the title of Capital Cultural Valenciana 2025 in their cultural and institutional programming until the next call in 2026.
Quick facts
| Town | Category | key benefits | Title valid until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macastre | Under 5,000 inhabitants | Visibility, Conselleria-supported programming, local development | 2026 |
| Torrevieja | Over 5,000 inhabitants | Tourism boost, institutional recognition, cultural events | 2026 |
What residents and visitors can expect
While specific event calendars will be announced by each municipality in collaboration with the Conselleria, residents and visitors can generally expect:
- Expanded cultural programming – concerts, exhibitions, workshops and local festivals
- Events designed to strengthen community ties and promote local traditions
- Activities aimed at attracting cultural tourism and supporting hospitality and creative industries
Why this matters
the Capital Cultural Valenciana initiative underscores a broader regional policy: decentralising culture to ensure smaller towns receive institutional support and recognition that can translate into sustained social and economic benefits.By partnering with local councils, the Conselleria intends to make culture an engine for recovery and long-term development across the Comunitat Valenciana.