Torrevieja and Macastre named Valencian Cultural capitals 2025
Comunitat Valenciana – After a delayed call and limited interest, the Generalitat has chosen Torrevieja and Macastre as the Valencian Cultural Capitals for 2025, aiming to boost cultural visibility and local economic activity through cultural tourism and events.
Rapid facts
- Winners: Torrevieja (municipalities > 5,000 inhabitants) and Macastre (municipalities < 5,000 inhabitants)
- Budget reserved: €150,000 to support both municipalities
- Applicants: Only three towns applied – Torrevieja, Alpuente and Macastre
- Origin of the program: Launched in 2016 by the Botànic government to decentralise culture across the Comunitat Valenciana
selection process and participation
The 2025 call for Valencian Cultural Capitals suffered a delay and attracted limited interest. In the category for towns with more than 5,000 inhabitants, Torrevieja was the sole candidate. In the category for towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, Macastre and Alpuente competed for the title, with Macastre ultimately selected.
Why so few applications?
Local and regional observers pointed to the delayed proclamation and uncertainties about the future of the initiative as reasons for the low turnout.Despite the low participation, the Generalitat confirmed the awards and committed funds and programming support for both winning towns.
What the title means: commitments and opportunities
Being designated a Valencian Cultural capital brings both visibility and obligations. According to the Conselleria, the recognition is intended to:
- Decentralise culture and make cultural programming more accessible across the region
- Provide promotional support through an official award ceremony
- Host cultural proposals organised by the conselleria in the winning towns
- Stimulate local economic activity, especially via cultural tourism and related entrepreneurial projects
budget and practical support
The Generalitat has set aside a total of €150,000 for the Cultural Capitals 2025 project.These funds are intended to help the municipalities stage events, promote programming and leverage cultural tourism that can benefit the towns and their surrounding areas.
Background: the project since 2016
The initiative began in 2016 under the Botànic government as a way to “incentivise the structuring of culture” across the Comunitat Valenciana. The first edition named Gandia as the inaugural Cultural Capital. The scheme was later adjusted to select two municipalities each year: one above 5,000 inhabitants and one below 5,000 inhabitants.
Winners at a glance
| Municipality | Category | Main rival(s) | Key aim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torrevieja | more than 5,000 inhabitants | None (sole candidate) | Promote coastal cultural tourism and large-scale events |
| Macastre | Less than 5,000 inhabitants | Alpuente | Strengthen rural cultural life and attract visitors |
What residents and visitors can expect
- More cultural programming throughout 2025,with events organised or supported by the Conselleria.
- Public ceremonies and promotional campaigns that highlight local heritage, arts and businesses.
- Opportunities for local entrepreneurs to develop cultural tourism products and services.
Reactions and next steps
The Generalitat stressed that the initiative is aimed at visibility, recognition and decentralisation of culture across the Comunitat Valenciana. Officials will organize a formal award ceremony and work with Torrevieja and Macastre to calendar programming and promotion for the 2025 season.