Four Spanish cities shortlisted for European Capital of Culture 2031
The four contenders for the title of European Capital of Culture 2031 are Oviedo, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Cáceres, who will share the honor with a city in Malta. This shortlist was revealed on March 13, 2026, with the final selection expected in December 2026. Granada aims to revitalize historical landmarks and improve festivals while tackling social disparities through the 'Mi Barrio es Cultura' initiative. Oviedo plans a regional project that includes all 78 municipalities and the transformation of the La Vega arms factory into a cultural center. Las Palmas highlights its Atlantic heritage and a blend of culture and sports, whereas Cáceres focuses on its medieval core and artist residencies. Revised proposals are to be submitted between September and October 2026.
Key facts
- Four Spanish cities are finalists for European Capital of Culture 2031: Oviedo, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Cáceres.
- The shortlist was announced on March 13, 2026, by a European jury.
- The final decision will be made in December 2026.
- Spain previously held the title in Madrid (1992), Santiago de Compostela (2000), Salamanca (2002), and San Sebastián (2016).
- Granada has 230,000 inhabitants and 60,000 students, with projects including the HUBIC innovation hub.
- Oviedo's flagship project is the conversion of the La Vega arms factory into a cultural hub.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has 380,000 inhabitants and emphasizes its Atlantic location.
- Cáceres, with 95,000 inhabitants, is the smallest finalist and relies on the EUROACE cross-border cooperation.
Entities
Institutions
- European Capital of Culture
- Alhambra
- Cines del Sur
- HUBIC
- UNESCO
- Auditorium Príncipe Felipe
- University of Oviedo
- La Vega arms factory
- Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno
- Gran Canaria basketball club
- WOMAD
- EUROACE
- Ministry of Culture (Spain)
- Le Journal des Arts
Locations
- Oviedo
- Spain
- Granada
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Cáceres
- Madrid
- Santiago de Compostela
- Salamanca
- San Sebastián
- Malta
- Andalusia
- Asturias
- Canary Islands
- Africa
- Latin America
- Europe
- Extremadura
- Alentejo
- Portugal
- Sibiu
- Romania
- Valletta
- Paphos
- Cyprus
- Distrito Norte
- Chana
- Zaidín