The Italian city of Matera is hosting events from today to mark its designation as the Mediterranean Capital of Dialogue and Culture 2026, with significant participation from a delegation from La Línea de la Concepción. Mayor Juan Franco was received by the President of the Provincial Government of Matera, Francesco Mancini, during the first institutional act of the visit.
Also attending the reception were the Councillors for Culture and Tourism, Raquel Ñeco and Mercedes Atanet, respectively, along with the renowned dancer from La Línea and Hijo Predilecto of the municipality, David Morales. La Línea de la Concepción will play a leading role in the cultural project “Mediterranean of stone and sea, dialogue between Matera and La Línea”.
The events commenced with an official welcome and opening at the Casa Cava in Matera, under the theme “A dialogue between Mediterranean institutions with the sea as a bridge”. Subsequently, a round table will address Matera's position as Capital of Dialogue and Culture, followed by the signing of the Charter of Matera for the Mediterranean and Dialogue, and a visit to the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The presence of David Morales aims to promote flamenco art, with several performances scheduled throughout the event program. On Saturday, the delegation will be welcomed at the Town Hall of Pomarico, where a monument related to its twinning with La Línea de la Concepción will be unveiled. In the afternoon, a talk on Migrations will be held at the Palazzo Marchesale, and a memorial dedicated to the victims of the shipwreck of the Utopía will be unveiled.
The First of May Festival in Pomarico square will feature a performance by David Morales and the screening of a video about the painter from La Línea, José Cruz Herrera. On Sunday, the book “La utopía entre las nieblas de la memoria. Apuntes de un naufragio” by Italian historian Gianni Palumbo will be presented, followed by an academic session on “Mediterranean Dialogue” at the forum of the University of Basilicata.
The events will conclude with the screening of the documentary about the Utopía and a visit to the Palombaro Lungo and the Underground Matera.
