The 'La Isla y Elcano' platform, comprising 40 entities, has met with the mayor of San Fernando to advance the organization of events for the centenary of the Juan Sebastián de Elcano school ship. This commemoration aims to highlight the city's strong bond with the emblematic vessel.
During the meeting, key work areas were discussed, and over twenty concrete proposals for the centenary program were presented. These include exhibitions, conferences, and educational projects, with the goal of actively involving schools and the educational community in the celebration.
“"If the 'Elcano' reaches one hundred years, it is thanks to San Fernando having cherished it."
Emphasis was placed on ensuring that activities are not merely isolated events but leave a lasting legacy in the city. In this regard, cultural and heritage initiatives were proposed to reinforce the collective memory linked to the school ship and San Fernando's naval tradition.
The mayor reaffirmed the municipal commitment to this celebration and announced that the City Council will allocate, by 2027, a specific funding line to financially support the centenary activities. Additionally, the City Council is collaborating with the Navy and the official commission on a commemorative book and a major exhibition dedicated to the school ship, which will open in San Fernando in early 2027.
This exhibition will recreate a ship and feature photographs of the vessel on its voyages worldwide, as well as images of its trajectory over one hundred years. The anniversary not only celebrates the ship's centenary but also recognizes San Fernando's essential role in its history, maintenance, and preservation, thus strengthening the city's naval identity.
As part of permanent initiatives, a symbolic element of the centenary will be incorporated into the future metropolitan park of La Magdalena. The children's area, next to the 'El Astillero' building, will feature a shipbuilding theme, with a large ship inspired by the Juan Sebastián de Elcano as its main attraction.
