Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has garnered notable support for its bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2031, following the Confederación Canaria de Empresarios’ formal endorsement. The signing of the support manifesto took place at the Confederation’s headquarters, attended by the Mayor, Carolina Darias, and the Confederation President, Pedro Ortega, alongside Culture Councillor Josué Íñiguez and José Luis Pérez Ponto, the artistic director for the bid.
Darias expressed appreciation for the support from the business community, emphasising that this backing strengthens their application, which views culture as a strategic driver for the city’s development and opportunities. She highlighted the aspiration to create a shared bid that engages the entire community and promotes the city’s identity and cultural diversity across Europe.
Ortega noted that the Confederation aims to showcase its commitment to the bid, recognising Las Palmas as a European city rich in cultural heritage from three continents. He underscored that this designation would enhance the cultural and social values of the Canary Islands within a European context.
This support adds to the growing network of institutional, social, and economic allies backing Las Palmas’ candidacy. The city has advanced past the initial selection phase and is now one of four finalists for the accolade, previously supported by entities including the Governments of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria Cabildo, and various local organisations.
