The participation of the Cáceres European Capital of Culture 2031 Consortium in the Arts Festivals Summit 2026, held in Budva (Montenegro), has concluded with a “very positive” outcome and a new step in the international projection of the Cáceres candidacy: Cáceres will be a member of the European Festival Association (EFA), after obtaining the EFFE Seal, an international distinction promoted by this association that recognizes cities, regions and territories in Europe that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to culture, the arts and the development of festivals.
Furthermore, Cáceres has put itself forward as a joint host, with Mérida, for the EFA Annual Summit in 2031. This candidacy was presented during the Assembly held this Tuesday by the Mérida Festival, a long-time member and participant in this international gathering. This summit in Budva was attended by more than one hundred representatives from some 50 countries.
The Councillor for Culture, Jorge Suárez, has given a very positive assessment of Cáceres’ presence at this leading European forum, highlighting that “continuing to advance in European cultural networks and being part of EFFE Seal continues to add points and strengthen Cáceres’ candidacy in the race for European Capital of Culture 2031.”
Suárez also stressed the importance of establishing alliances with other European cities, festivals and cultural institutions, underlining that “culture and international cooperation are fundamental elements within the project that Cáceres is building towards 2031.”
The incorporation of the Consortium into the EFFE Seal community will allow Cáceres to participate as a member, with voice and vote, in upcoming assemblies and meetings of the European Festivals Association, expanding its presence in European spaces for cultural exchange and strengthening its internationalization strategy.
The proposal to host the EFA congress in 2031 would also represent an opportunity to project internationally the heritage, cultural activity and organizational capacity of Cáceres and Mérida.
